Three Ways to Take the Stage

Expanding Access to Performance at CitySpace

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Photo by Darren Port

For many performers, booking a venue can be a frustrating and inaccessible process—emails go unanswered, financial barriers limit opportunities, and the system often favors those with established industry connections. At CitySpace, we believe artists deserve better. We respond to every inquiry, ensuring that performers and producers always know their options, whether a request is feasible or not.

At the same time, running and maintaining a historic nonprofit arts venue comes with significant challenges. While the City owns Old Town Hall, CitySpace is responsible for fully maintaining and restoring the historic building, staffing the organization and venue, and ensuring that artists and audiences have a place to gather, create, and experience live performance. Every event contributes to keeping this historic landmark open and accessible for the community.

To demystify the booking process and expand access to performance opportunities, CitySpace offers three distinct paths for performers and producers to bring their events to life:

  • Renting The Blue Room – A fully DIY option, allowing performers and producers to rent the space at affordable rates. Event creators handle production from start to finish and take 100% of the door.
  • Partners in Performance – A collaborative opportunity for artists who meet specific qualifications. More than just a ticket split, this model pairs performers with CitySpace where both the venue and the performer are invested in the outcome to make for a successful event.
  • Pay It Forward – A financially accessible pathway for artists facing economic barriers, offering free venue access, stipends, professional development, and event support to help make performance possible.

Beyond performance opportunities, CitySpace is committed to building a more community-empowered arts ecosystem. Since 2018, our long-term tenants have held seats on the CitySpace board, ensuring that arts organizations and businesses with a longterm presence in Old Town Hall have a direct role in shaping its future. Big Red Frame and Easthampton City Arts, have been invaluable to the growth of the building’s vibrancy. We also provide affordable and below-market-rate rentals to these and other tenants, reinforcing our commitment to affordable creative space in Western Massachusetts.

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Every event, partnership, and rental plays a role in keeping Old Town Hall alive as a hub for the arts. By prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, and collaboration, CitySpace continues to provide a model for how historic spaces can serve the evolving needs of artists and communities alike.

Select your path
Donate

How you can support CitySpace beyond a donation:

  • Be an advocate! Share that you support CitySpace with your friends on social media or in-person and tell them about this exciting project. Buy a ticket and join us at an event!
  • Volunteer with CitySpace. Help out with events or be a part of strategizing teams.
  • Sponsor CitySpace's programs. Get your business in-front of hundreds of people visiting CitySpace and support events already happening in Old Town Hall.
  • Include CitySpace in your will or estate plans. CitySpace is thinking longterm for the future of our region. Your planned gift will help to establish sustainability and support for the structural health of Old Town Hall and the organization.
  • Email Burns Maxey at bmaxey@cityspaceeasthampton.org for questions about your support.