The 90s are cool but...

CitySpace is thrilled to announce a significant leap forward in modernizing Old Town Hall, thanks to a generous Destination Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). These funds will allow for vital maintenance and upgrades to the first floor of the historic venue, ensuring it remains an accessible and equipped space for the artists, performers, and community groups who call it home.

LED Innovation

A particularly meaningful part of this upgrade is the replacement of our beloved, yet outdated, stage lighting system, which has been in use since the Blue Room’s early days. The original lighting system was generously donated by Smith College’s Theatre Department and has served CitySpace well over the years. These trusty lights helped launch the Blue Room, allowing it to host hundreds of performances and events since 2022.

“Those stage lights have been with us from the beginning, and thanks to them, we’ve been able to provide countless memorable performances for our community,” said Burns Maxey, president of CitySpace board. “But as we look ahead, it’s time for a much-needed upgrade. When you show a floppy disk to a committee member who says ‘I don’t even really know what that is’ and tell them our lighting board software is copyright 1993-1996 and runs on a floppy disk, the appalled looks remind you how old this system really is. We love the historic quality of Old Town Hall, but we need to merge it with current and future technologies today.”

CitySpace will now transition to energy-efficient LED stage lighting, ushering the venue into the 21st century. The new system will not only enhance the quality of performances but also drastically reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, aligning with CitySpace’s sustainability goals.

Restoring and Revitalizing: Essential Maintenance for Old Town Hall

Along with the lighting upgrade, CitySpace will undertake critical maintenance projects that are long overdue. One such priority is the repair of doors that have seen years of heavy use. Additionally, the colorful tower lighting, which was unfortunately damaged by a lightning strike, will be replaced as part of this project. 

These updates are essential to keeping Old Town Hall a safe, welcoming, and functional space for all. While the MOTT grant is a significant boost, there’s still work to be done to ensure the space remains accessible and ready for future generations of artists and audiences.

A Call to Action: Community Support Needed to Meet 2024 Goals

While the Destination Grant is a pivotal step forward, CitySpace is actively seeking community support to match these funds and meet its 2024 operations and programming goals. This includes raising additional funds to continue offering vital programming like theater performances, the Pay It Forward Artist Series, and concerts.

We’re excited about these upgrades, but we need the community’s help to bring the full vision to life. Your support will help us match the grant and ensure that Old Town Hall remains a vibrant, welcoming venue for artists and audiences alike.

CitySpace is committed to creating affordable, accessible spaces for the arts in western Massachusetts. By contributing to this campaign, donors are not only supporting essential upgrades but also investing in the future of the arts in the region.

Lighting the Way for the Future

CitySpace has always been about fostering creativity and community, and this next phase of improvements reflects that mission. With modern LED lighting, critical building repairs, and the continued support of the community, Old Town Hall will be better equipped than ever to host high-quality performances while reducing its environmental impact.

This is about more than just new equipment and maintenance. We are lighting the way for future performances, ensuring that Old Town Hall remains a cornerstone for the arts in western Massachusetts.

With your help, Old Town Hall will continue to be a place where culture, creativity, and community come together for years to come.