NEW BEDFORD, MA – 3rd EyE Youth Empowerment, a driving force in youth leadership development and creative community building for over two decades, is thrilled to announce the Grand OPENing of its new headquarters at 230 Union Street in downtown New Bedford. The open house event will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 and will offer a twist on the organization’s annual Third EyE Open Hip Hop Festival.
The new space will serve as the creative nerve center for 3rd EyE’s expanding work, and the Grand OPENing invites the entire community to help shape its future. The building will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for tours, interactive activities, and community input opportunities focused on how best to furnish and utilize the new home. With funding in place for interior enhancements like furniture and lighting, 3rd EyE is asking community members to weigh in before final purchases are made.
Founded in 1998, 3rd EyE Youth Empowerment is a New Bedford-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through hip hop culture, art, education, and community organizing. Its programs help young people develop leadership skills, express themselves creatively, and drive social change.
A Day of Celebration and Collective Visioning
In true 3rd EyE style, the Grand Opening will extend beyond the walls of the building:
● Abolition Row Park will be activated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. kicking off with a Baby Rave Littles Dance Party featuring a DJ, face painting, chalk art, and lots of bubbles followed by sand and water play and a kids dance cypher.
- Plans are underway to close off Sixth Street (between Union and Spring Streets) for Cypher in the Streets: A 5 Pillars of Hip Hop Block Party from 4 to 8 p.m. complete with music, food, street culture vibes and an opportunity for the community to participate in cyphers focused on MCing, dance, graffiti, DJing and beat boxing.
“This is more than a building – it’s a hub for healing, growth, and expression,” said Maia Livramento, event co-chair. “We’ve always said this work belongs to the community, and this day is about celebrating that while asking our village to help us dream even bigger.”
A Soft Launch of a Bold Vision
The August 23rd event also marks a soft launch for 3rd EyE’s renewed capital campaign. The organization has been operating under a lease-to-own agreement for the 230 Union Street property after raising funds for a down payment in 2022.
Back then, the goal was $100,000. This time the down payment goal is the same, with $50k already secured. 3rd EyE is seeking community support to raise another $25k, which will then be matched dollar-for-dollar through some kind of partner donor initiative.
Funds raised will go toward purchasing the building outright and making critical improvements, including accessibility upgrades to open up the second floor and basement for public use.
Learn More
The Grand OPENing is free and open to the public. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just learning about 3rd EyE, come experience the energy and possibility of this new chapter.
For event details, updates, and to donate, visit 3rdeyeunlimited.org.
