It is with great sadness that we share that Flywheel Arts Collective is leaving Easthampton’s Old Town Hall. Flywheel has been an integral part of CitySpace’s story in their past 10 years in the historic building. It has been a venue where fans of all genres of music have convened for unique experiences like no other. It has been a place where zine enthusiasts, community visionaries, pancake breakfast dancing families, and friends of all ages have come together to try new ideas and provide space for experimentation. But in March 2020, all came to a screeching halt for our tenants’ ability to gather for in-person events.
For Flywheel, primarily a music venue, the inability to open their space for assembly caused the greatest of challenges. When COVID-19 landed and Western Massachusetts began to shelter in place, the CitySpace board immediately suspended rents for all tenants and began the conversation of what to do next. Like so many other venues, we were asking the same questions about how to stay afloat amidst the new restrictions. We searched for alternative uses of our spaces. Together brainstormed ideas to find new sources of income. Uniquely, Flywheel and our other Old Town Hall tenants, Easthampton City Arts and Big Red Frame are not merely occupants of CitySpace, but also voting members on the CitySpace board. The conversations proved ardent respect among our board and tenants and demonstrated optimism to collectively succeed. For Flywheel, they have decided their best step forward is to regroup outside of Old Town Hall. We wish Flywheel expeditious success and look forward to shared partnerships in the future.
The Next Chapter
Since the beginning of the pandemic, CitySpace has experienced a significant financial loss because of the waived rents. However, in spite of these hardships, we have found a renewed sense of hope. A resilience has unfolded as we lead forward with empathy and with a vision of equity and accessibility to the arts. Our CitySpace board and teams have adapted in unexpected and forward-looking ways, galvanizing a positive outlook for our next chapter in Easthampton’s Old Town Hall. Look for updates in the coming month.
