"O.K., you have all these great resources, but who do I call?"

This is a common refrain from members of community-based organizations who want to take advantage of the Fine Arts Center's community-based programs. This site is designed to help you access the information you need about our community offerings. (By the way, a quick answer to the first question is 413-545-4164.)

WHAT IS THE FINE ARTS CENTER?

The Fine Arts Center consists of six performing arts programs, four art galleries and three educational programs (all are listed under the Centerwide Programs section of this web site). Our events range from Broadway musicals to sound installations, and our emphasis is on presenting a world view of the arts.

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE GEARED TO COMMUNITY AUDIENCES?

While one could easily argue that every program of the Fine Arts Center is community focused, we have compiled a sampling of programs below that we feel have a particularly strong community-based component. If you are interested in programs for school-aged children, please consult our K-12 Educators section.

NEW! Access Arts: Mass Mutual Financial Group has provided lead funding to support a new two-year initiative that links the educational programs of the Fine Arts Center with students enrolled in schools throughout western Massachusetts. Now concluding its first year of operation, this program has provided ticket subsidies and busing as well as artist residencies to schools throughout the region. Thousands of children and young people have benefitted from this program, which is collectively offered by three departments of the Fine Arts Center: Asian Arts and Culture Program, New WORLD Theater and Performances Plus. Call (413) 545-4164 for more information.

Hampden Gallery and Springfield Museums Collaboration: The Fine Arts Center's Hampden Gallery has participated in a multi-year collaboration with the Springfield (MA) Museums. The latest outgrowth of this ongoing collaboration resulted in the design and fabrication of an educational display that recreated the environment of an Egyptian tomb, complete with authentic ancient Egyptian artifacts. A permanent installation called the Art Discovery Center also resulted from this collaboration. This colorful interactive gallery is inspired by images from the museum's Asian collection, and offers a place for young people to explore the collections of the museums with their friends and families. All projects were created by UMass students, under the supervision of gallery and museum staff. Call (413) 545-0680 for more information about Hampden Gallery's innovative collaborative programs with the Springfield Museums.

New WORLD Theater: New WORLD Theater's Project 2050 program features youth performers nominated by teachers, counselors, peers, parents, or community organizations based on their talent, commitment to cross cultural dialogue, and diverse interests. They are ages 12-19 from Amherst, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Hadley, and Greenfield. Youth in Project 2050 participate in a variety of performing arts events in community settings and at the University. Call (413) 545-1972 for more information about New WORLD Theater's programs for young people.

Western Massachusetts Arts Alliance: The Alliance is an all-volunteer organization that originated in the Fine Arts Center's UMass Arts Council program. WMAA helps to network artists, arts organizations, community arts agencies, arts educators from the Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire and Franklin counties in periodic conferences, workshops and gatherings. The Alliance also serves as an advocate for the arts in the region. Call (413) 545-4164 for more information.

Angel Ticket Program: The Angel Ticket program exists to provide complimentary tickets to residents of Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties whose financial and/or social situation would otherwise prohibit them from experiencing live performances by national and international touring artists. Tickets are distributed through requests from area human service agencies. Call (413) 545-0190 for more information.

Lively Arts/Greenfield Community College Collaboration: Students enrolled at Greenfield Community College are invited to attend the Fine Arts Center's Lively Arts general education course that provides experience in the performing and visual arts through attendance at Fine Arts Center Performing Arts Series concerts of music and dance, as well as visits to University Gallery exhibitions of sculpture, photography, and drawings. Guest lecturers present weekly lectures about the structure and history of the arts. Discussion sections help students understand and apply information from weekly assignments, lectures, exhibitions, and concerts. The course is open to UMass students, Greenfield Community College students, and members of the community through Continuing Education. Call (413) 545-0030 for more information.

University Gallery/Five College Consortium of Museums: The Fine Arts Center's University Gallery is associated with the Museums of the Five College area consortium (including Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith College Museums, as well as the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Historic Deerfield and the Yiddish Book Center, among others). Call (413) 545-3670 for more information about the University Gallery of the Fine Arts Center.

WHAT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES DO YOU OFFER FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY?

From the multitude of educational resources available at the Fine Arts Center, we have culled those that have particular relevance to community arts educators who wish to enhance their visit to the University or who want to integrate other aspects of the Center into their programming. Just click here to go to that part of our site.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT EVENTS AND EXHIBITS ARE SCHEDULED?

On this site, you will find two calendars: one lists all the events of the Fine Arts Center, and the other lists just the educational programs that are linked to events--this way you can locate the information that is most useful to you. We hope you will take the time to peruse each calendar to learn about what we have to offer. And don't forget to check back often to learn about new programs that are being added every week!

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

If you have any questions after perusing this site, please feel free to call Lori Tuominen, Education Program Manager at (413) 545-4164 for additional assistance.