Highlands Center - Public and Private Partners

Public/Private Partners
Highlands Center programs will support the mission of Cape Cod National Seashore through public and private partnerships. Inquiries and proposals for cooperative ventures from non-profit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions are welcomed. The National Park Service will provide basic infrastructure rehabilitation such as water, sewer, electric systems and will oversee design approvals, utility maintenance, leasing and site management activities. The Management Partner and Program Partners from the private sector will fulfill the remaining needs of the Center, such as custom building rehabilitation, utility hookups, facility maintenance, public programming and day-to-day activities.

Current Partners:
Highlands Center, Inc. (HCI) is the non-profit Fundraising Partner designated by NPS. HCI intends to help in identifying program partners, raising funds, receiving grants, and serving as a conduit for financing.

Barnstable County AmeriCorps Cape Cod (ACC) offers a diverse group of trained adults a residential living opportunity serving the critical environmental and disaster preparedness needs of Barnstable County. Part of a national network, it pairs service-minded volunteers with citizens, educators, scientists, and environmental professionals to promote land and water conservation, environmental education and disaster preparedness.

A pioneering Program Partner, Payomet Performing Arts Center in Truro (PPACT) , has its seasonal tent located at the Highlands Center. PPACT produces affordable, professional theatre, art, and music. Their programming at this site includes drama classes, yoga, independent films, music, storytelling, period actors, magicians, political satirist and much more. PPACT is a member of the Cape Cod Theatre Coalition.

Fine Arts Work Center (FAWC) in Provincetown, where artists and writers in the early stages of their careers are nurtured in a seven-month residency program, inspired by professionals and by the Cape Cod environment. Since its inception in 1968, FAWC has provided housing and stipends for over 500 emerging artists from around the United States and abroad.

The National Park's North Atlantic Coastal Laboratory has operated at the site for a number of years and, while not official Program Partners, is actively involved in the collaboration. Two buildings were recently renovated and in summer 2007 were made operational for use by the NPS Atlantic Research Center (ARC). The mission of the Atlantic Research Center (ARC) is to promote research and information exchange on the physical and biological systems within or affecting Cape Cod National Seashore. ARC is part of a network of National Park Service Research Learning Centers throughout the United States.

Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill oversees the management and facilitation of a wood burning kiln, operating ceramics programs at the site. The installation of the wood burning kiln in partnership with HCI constitutes a joint effort that fosters benefits to local artists and craftspeople, attractiveness to visitors, and a unique form of artistic education in the community.

Researchers with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies investigate coastal processes from an observation shed on site. Such studies provide valuable insight into coastline erosion and sediment movement.