Welcome!
On this page you will find our vision, mission, and values, a brief history of the Center, a list of current staff and board, and information about board membership. Please email us at ncfa@nohoarts.org with any additional questions!
Our Vision - To inspire, sustain and embolden our local arts ecology in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties.
Mission Statement - 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.
Our Values -
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.
History
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 at 5 Strong Avenue until its September 2017 relocation to the Northampton Community Arts Trust Building at 33 Hawley Street.
Co-Director Kelly Silliman, former Managing Director Joanna Faraby Walker, and Rentals Director Melissa Andrew at Revelry at 33 (New staff photo coming soon)
our people
Co-Director: Kelly Silliman
Co-Director: Heather Geoffrey
Rentals Director: Melissa Andrew
Gallery Associate: Joie Gonzalez
Operations: Steve Davis
Board of Directors:
Ginny Mayer, President
Michael Favala Goldman, Vice President
Rachel Stevens, Clerk
Wade Wofford, Treasurer
Carlos McBride
Natania Hume
Juan Pablo Rivera
Maddy Neely
Marie Roche
Dorothy Nemetz
Call for New Board Members: Seeking Emerging Leaders
The Northampton Center for the Arts is Expanding Its Board of Directors
The Northampton Center for the Arts is excited to announce an opportunity for passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. As part of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive leadership, we are seeking younger voices to bring fresh perspectives and help shape the future of our vibrant arts community in Northampton.
We are looking for applicants who are enthusiastic about arts, culture, collaboration and community engagement. Ideal candidates will be individuals who are eager to contribute their unique insights, represent younger generations, and collaborate with fellow board members to strengthen our programs and initiatives.
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
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
The Northampton Center for the Arts is dedicated to ensuring our board reflects the rich diversity of our community. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and particularly welcome younger individuals seeking to amplify their voices in the arts and nonprofit space.
Join us in contributing to make Northampton and the Valley a thriving hub for creativity, inclusivity, and cultural expression.
Join The Board:
If you are interested in applying to be a board member, please fill out this online form. If you have any issues with using this form, please e-mail ncfa@nohoarts.org for assistance, or call 413-584-7327. Board representatives will review all submitted forms and the interested member’s potential fit on the board.
A board representative will contact interested parties within two weeks of receipt of a form and either issue an invitation to meet with current board and staff, or provide direction towards other ways to participate in the Center’s operations. All potential board members will be asked to serve on a committee for three months before being asked to officially join the board. Please note that non-profit board service is volunteer work. If you don’t hear back from us within two weeks, please email ncfa@nohoarts.org to follow up.