Hopkinton Center for the Arts Gears Up for Growth

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ goal of creating a premier visual and performing arts venue in town is one step closer to reality.

The endeavor, championed by two of Hopkinton’s established arts organizations - Enter Stage Left Theater  and the Cultural Arts Alliance, gained approval for $250,000 in Community Preservation funds at Hopkinton's recent Town Meeting.

The allocation, together with a commitment by the Hopkinton Community Endowment to donate an additional $250,000, gives the HCA the funds needed to begin transformation of the historic barn into a performance and gallery space.

“We are grateful for the support of HCE which will double the investment of the Community Preservation funds,” HCA and ESL Executive Director Kelly Grill said. 

“We are thrilled to be in Hopkinton, where residents support our mission to develop a community arts center.”

The renovated barn will include 2,500 square feet of open gallery/performance space on the first floor and two dance studios, an art room and six smaller music instruction rooms on the second level.

The expansion will enable the HCA’s two current members, Enter Stage Left and the Cultural Arts Alliance to increase their educational programs, exhibits and performances.

In addition, the groups anticipate that the expanded space will attract other art, music and performance organizations to the venue and broaden the audience base.

“The Hopkinton Community Endowment is proud to be collaborating with ESL and the CAA on this project,” said Sandy Luchessi, Hopkinton Community Endowment board member, HCA board member, and a Hopkinton-based real estate agent. “The Hopkinton Center for the Arts will be a cultural centerpiece for the town, complementing the town’s great schools, parks and athletic fields.”

Future developments at the site include plans for a 300-seat theater and studio space for HCAM, Hopkinton’s cable television station.