MassDevelopment in partnership with the Massachusetts Cultural Council has approved funding of $200,000 to CitySpace from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund. The State awarded Grants range from $7,000 to $200,000.
MCCCFF grants must be matched 1:1 by the recipient, and CitySpace will soon be launching a capital campaign to secure the funds for the project. The $200,000 grant will be used towards creating an accessible performing arts and community space in Easthampton Old Town Hall. In the fall of 2018, Easthampton’s CPA committed up to $3 million towards the $6.6 million project.
“Both residents and visitors benefit greatly from all that Massachusetts’ cultural institutions have to offer,” said Governor Charlie Baker in a release from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. “Investments in the arts will help support tourism efforts across the Commonwealth and give more people the opportunity to experience its rich cultural history.”
Easthampton Old Town Hall second floor has served as a meeting and performance space in the past but is currently not accessible. Included in the restoration, renovations, and repairs will be an accessible entryway, elevator to all floors of the building, and flexible performing arts and community space with green room, offices, concessions, restrooms, and storage.
CitySpace President, Burns Maxey said, “The CitySpace board is incredibly thrilled about this news from the Massachusetts Cultural Council! This allows us to build upon the momentum of the project. Now is the time for arts advocates, proponents of historic buildings, and champions of the Pioneer Valley’s economic vitality to join in and make this a reality. We can’t thank the MCC and MassDevelopment for enough for having steadfast confidence in CitySpace and Old Town Hall.”
For more information on the project costs, documents and plans for funding and renovation see cityspaceeasthampton.org/transformation.
