Looking for Ways to Get Involved in the Western Mass ArtsHub?

The Creative Economy Network (CEN, a collaboration of organizations supporting artists, arts and culture organizations, and creative economy businesses in Western Mass) is working to create a web based portal to connect artists, arts organizations and creative businesses for commerce, networking, and business development. It will also connect residents, and visitors to the work of the creative community.

Out of extensive surveys and input sessions by the Community Foundation of Western Mass (CFWM) Valley Creates initiative, the need for an ArtsHub was identified. As a result, CFWM issued a grant to begin the planning process for the hub, during which time, several outreach sessions and surveys were conducted to gather info on what features are needed in the hub.

Further resources have been secured through a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to start the beginning phase of building out the hub, which will house a database of creatives, business and funding resources, area arts calendar, articles on featured area artists, links to employment opportunities, and more. A call for the ArtsHub designer has been completed and the Selection Committee chose Rhyme Digital of Easthampton based on their expertise, knowledge of this community, and strongest response to the ArtsHub needs.

You have likely participated in some of the previous surveys and outreach sessions and your continued input will help with the next step in the ArtsHub’s creation. You are invited to participate further in shaping this initiative in several ways which can be found below.

Get Listed On CreativeGround!

The ArtsHub is partnering with New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA)’s CreativeGround online database, to promote and connect artists/creatives with each other, with those looking to purchase or hire, and with those who know that vibrant inclusive neighborhoods go hand-in-hand with a vibrant and inclusive creative sector. CreativeGround reflects the rich range of creative people and places at work in the six New England states.

This FREE online directory includes profiles for the for and nonprofit arts and artists of all disciplines, including performing arts; visual arts; crafts; cultural nonprofits like museums, libraries and theaters; as well as creative businesses like recording studios and design agencies, and more. Once you have created a user account and public profile, the Western Mass ArtsHub will pull in your profile to our local Western Mass portal for local exposure and grant you visibility throughout all of New England!

Why this matters?

You will benefit from greater visibility for your work.

Your listing on CreativeGround will make you eligible to be featured in articles on the Western Mass ArtsHub as well as on the “On the CreativeGround" series on the NEFA blog. You’ll also be eligible for NEFA grants.

You help build the sector! NEFA is an advocacy organization for the arts, so by including your information, you help demonstrate the impact the arts have throughout the region, and New England, which helps them advocate for more arts funding. Without this work, the arts will not be as valued, and funds for individual artists/performers and shuttered venues during the pandemic would have been for less.

Find collaborators. Aside from benefiting from greater visibility for your work, you can also find potential collaborators and resources in the Western Mass area as well as in the New England cultural community using the Search and Explore functions to browse over 30,000 profiles offering a wide range of services.

Spread the Word!

Organize the artists, cultural nonprofits, your Local Cultural Council and/or creative businesses in your community for a CreativeGround information session with NEFA's CreativeGround team.

If you represent a Local Cultural Council, encourage your grantees to be registered on CreativeGround.

Looking for More Ways to be Involved?

Contribute your skills

Be on a task force

Content Curation - Help organize the types of information that will be listed on the ArtsHub and how it will be listed.
Tech Team - Provide input and support to the graphic designer/web developers during the Hub website creation.

Spanish translation services - help with translating social media posts, posters or other needed info.

Graphic Design - creating infographics and posters as needed utilizing the brand created by the designer.

Summit Event - Several opportunities to be involved with the content of creative summit to feature speakers and workshops and day of event participation.

Proofreading - Help with proofreading web content and other materials.

Fundraising

...And More

Join the Plug into the Creative Valley Facebook page for updates about the ArtsHub website and events

Host an information session to connect the ArtsHub to your networks

Be a beta tester for CreativeGround website upgrades