33 Hawley Street Project

Where we Are

In 2022, Congressman Jim McGovern secured for the Arts Trust a $2.5 million federal Community Project Funding grant. Also in 2022, we were awarded a $150,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund for renovations to the lobby and visual art gallery. With these grants, we were able to substantially complete the renovations to 33 Hawley. New and improved spaces include:

  • Flooring, new box office and concession bar in the Lobby

  • New construction of the Barn Door Gallery, off the Lobby

  • Walls, flooring and catwalk in the Workroom black box theater

  • New construction of a Green Room with dedicated dressing rooms and a catering staging area

  • New construction of administrative offices for the Northampton Center for the Arts and A.P.E.

The Arts Trust is deeply grateful to Congressman McGovern for this funding. 

We are also immensely grateful for the incredible work of our architects, Bonham & Douglas Architects, who have worked with us since the very beginning to realize our vision for 33 Hawley. For a wonderful virtual tour of their work, click HERE

Now - in 2024 - we are excited to announce that the Arts Trust has been awarded a 6th Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund matching grant to complete the final improvements for the Workroom! While our Community Project Funding grant allowed us to complete the Workroom’s infrastructure, we lacked the funds to equip the Workroom with full theatrical lighting and sound systems, and with a seating system to accommodate 200 people. 

In order to secure this $107,000 Cultural Facilities Fund grant, we must match the full amount of the grant dollar for dollar. We will be reaching out to raise the match and fully equip the Workroom so that it will fully serve the community. 

Please help us secure this funding. See how to make a gift at our Donation Page !

PROJECT OVERVIEW

 The Arts Trust's mission is to serve the community by acquiring and protecting spaces for creative work. Our first project is 33 Hawley Street. Acquired in 2013 and now approximately 95% renovated, this energy-efficient building is unencumbered by debt and inexpensive to operate. 

The Arts Trust has implemented its mission by entering into long-term leases with our building partners, three established non-profit organizations that are now programming at 33 Hawley: the Northampton Center for the Arts, A.P.E. Ltd and Northampton Open Media. The size and versatility of 33 Hawley allows these organizations to program multiple simultaneous events and activities in four broad categories:

  1. community-oriented classes and workshops in visual arts, theater, dance, media and other disciplines;

  2. visual arts exhibitions, theater, dance and music performances, film screenings, and other audience-oriented events;

  3. generative research and process; 

  4. revenue generating rentals to individuals or groups.

The 33 Hawley building is 25,000 square feet in total and sits on a 1.5 acre lot on the edge of downtown Northampton, with over 100 parking spots. The interior and exterior spaces were designed to provide maximum flexibility and include: 

  • The Flex, a 2000 square foot flexible and versatile performance and event venue, stewarded by the Center for the Arts

  • The Workroom, a 3800 square foot black box theater, stewarded by A.P.E.

  • The Barn Door Gallery, a 500 square foot dedicated visual arts gallery curated by the Center for the Arts.

  • The Split Level Gallery, two visual art spaces in the mezzanine and lower level lobby, curated in turns by A.P.E. and the Center for the Arts.

  • Eli’s Room, a 1200 square foot informal classroom/rehearsal space, stewarded by the Center for the Arts.

  • Northampton Open Media’s 1200 square foot studio and media lab. 

  • Carole’s Dance Studio, an 800 square foot dedicated dance studio leased to the Center for the Arts and A.P.E. in a time share arrangement.

  • The street level lobby, with a mezzanine, box office and concession bar, shared by all Building Partners.

  • A green room with two dedicated dressing rooms and a catering staging area.

  • A side courtyard with benches.

  • A front patio with a platform or mini-stage.

Along with our building partners, the Arts Trust is committed to providing the community with versatile, creative spaces and maintaining affordability through energy efficiency, public/private collaboration and volunteer involvement. Our goals, most of which are currently being reached, include:

  • Programs for emerging artists

  • Artist residencies mixed with short-term use

  • Serving children with a range of hands-on experiences

  • Creating a liaison with local schools and colleges

  • Fostering intercultural communication and arts education

  • Remaining responsive to needs of both artists and the community

For information on how to rent spaces at 33 Hawley, visit the partner organization websites:

A.P.E.:  http://www.apearts.org/

Northampton Center for the Arts:  http://nohoarts.org/

Northampton Open Media: http://northamptontv.org/