WHO WE ARE
OUR VISION
To inspire, sustain and embolden our local arts ecology in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties.
The Northampton Center for the Arts (NCFA) provides affordable space for artists, performers, and educators while developing programming dedicated to arts education, multidisciplinary collaborations, and community connections.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Northampton Center for the Arts is a private, non-profit organization, established in 1983 as the result of a public/private partnership between the City of Northampton and the developers of the former Sullivan School in downtown Northampton. For 30 years, the Center’s ballroom and galleries served as venues for performances, exhibitions, arts-education programming and community gatherings. In July of 2013, the City of Northampton’s non-renewable lease for the space that housed the Center expired. NCFA continued its work in the community by producing First Night, sponsoring Arts Night Out, supporting its resident companies, and organizing events throughout the Valley.
The Center operated out of a transitional office until its September 2017 relocation to the Northampton Community Arts Trust Building at 33 Hawley Street. Construction of 33 Hawley happened in phases, and in 2017 the Center reopened with only two spaces - Eli's Room and Carole's Dance Studio. The Flex opened in 2018, and the final stage of construction, which included the Barn Door Gallery, was completed in December of 2023. In the time since 2017, the Center has weathered construction challenges and a global pandemic, and also expanded its rentals and programming exponentially. Now fully settled in at 33 Hawley, the Center's staff and board look forward to many more years of supporting local arts and artists in the Connecticut River Valley!
HISTORY
We believe that the arts provide a transformative experience that delves into the complexities of the joys, sorrows, struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.
We value our role as a nexus for the arts and artists in our community.
We commit to making our resources available to as many artists and community members as possible.
We prioritize creating spaces for artistic expression and community engagement that strive to challenge the status quo.
We aspire to create a space that is accessible and instills a feeling of inclusion.
We seek to strengthen our collaborations through increased understanding of how people and organizations with different identities use space.
We acknowledge and work to expand who is in the room, and to notice who is missing.
We focus on maximizing the Center’s ability to support the arts while remaining fiscally accountable to our community.
OUR VALUES
Co-Director: Kelly Silliman
Co-Director: Heather Geoffrey
Rentals Director: Melissa Andrew
Gallery Associate: Joie Gonzalez
OUR PEOPLE
Co-Director Heather Geoffrey, Co-Director Kelly Silliman, Rentals Director Melissa Andrew, and Gallery Associate Joie Gonzalez
Ginny Mayer, President
Michael Favala Goldman, Vice President
Rachel Stevens, Clerk
Katrina Turner, Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Falcon Laina
Carlos McBride
Natania Hume
Robin Griffith
Maricela Garcia
Michal Leah Isenberg
Juan Pablo Rivera
Maddy Neely
Marie Roche
SERVE ON THE BOARD
The Northampton Center for the Arts is committed to building a board that reflects the full diversity of our community. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, ages and especially encourage those historically underrepresented in nonprofit leadership to apply.
Join us in sustaining Northampton and the Valley as a vibrant, inclusive hub for creativity and cultural expression.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A passion for arts and culture, particularly within Northampton and the Valley community
A commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity
A willingness to collaborate, share ideas, and take on leadership responsibilities
Availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute to organizational activities
Current Status: Board Applications Welcome (on file)
The Northampton Center for the Arts is not currently seeking new board members. We are actively onboarding and training new members while strengthening the leadership of our existing board.
However, we invite you to fill out this brief application form, which we will keep on file for future openings. We continue to be interested in individuals who are enthusiastic about the arts, culture, collaboration, and community engagement. Ideal candidates are eager to share their unique perspectives and work with fellow board members to support our mission and initiatives.
What to Expect When Openings Arise:
A board representative will reach out when we are actively seeking new members.
Applicants may be invited to meet with current board and staff members.
All prospective board members are asked to serve on a committee for three months before being invited to formally join the board.
Board service is on a volunteer basis.
If you experience trouble accessing the form or have any questions, please email us at ncfa@nohoarts.org or call 413-584-7327. If you’ve submitted a form and haven’t heard from us within two weeks, feel free to follow up.
BENEFITS OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Opportunities for personal and professional development through leadership experience
Networking with fellow leaders and influencers in the arts and nonprofit sectors
The chance to shape innovative cultural initiatives and make a meaningful impact in the community