NORTHAMPTON ARTS COUNCIL INC
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Programs and results
What we aim to solve
>Lack of grant support of arts projects >Lack of engaging and accessible arts events >Limitations of art space in town to display work/rehearse/perform. >The absence of a thriving art market for artists to sell work. >The absence of affordable housing for artists.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Silver Chord Bowl Collegiate A capella Showcase
The first Sunday in February is devoted to the Silver Chord Bowl, the oldest and most respected collegiate a cappella show case in the region, hosted in John M. Greene Hall on the Smith College campus.
Transperformance Benefit Music Festival
Each year in August the Northampton Arts Council and the Parent Teacher Organizations of Northampton’s public school system join forces to raise funds for arts enrichment in the schools and for the ArtsEZ grant program. The original concept for Transperformance was for local bands to take on a persona of another established nationally recognized act and perform or “Transperform” their bands’ style. The acts that are chosen are done thematically, such as Transperformance 22 “Food Groups” (Heather Maloney as Amy Winehouse) or Transperformance 17 “Color By Numbers” (Primate Fiasco as Pink Floyd) or Transperformance 23 “Beyond Bob” (Rusty Belle as Bob Dylan). Over the years Transperformance has evolved and tribute style performances have become acceptable if not the norm.
First Night Northampton
The event itself is a festival of performing arts that reaches out to a diverse population, offering 12 hours of family-friendly entertainment and arts-related activities on New Year's Eve.
Northampton Summer Concert Series
Our mission is to showcase the best music from the pioneer valley alongside top notch touring acts while bringing together the local community to enjoy the many benefits of our picturesque downtown. Outdoor concerts on summer nights in downtown Northampton is a tradition that dates back to the 1970’s. Since that time Northampton has been fertile ground for producing unique original music, often renowned on the national level.
ArtsEZ Spring Grant Round
Individuals as well as schools and arts organizations are encouraged to seek funding for creative projects to be held in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds. The grants are funded by the proceeds from the Arts Council’s signature events: The Silver Chord Bowl, Transperformance, and First Night. Grants will be awarded in the following categories: dance, film/video, literature, mixed media, music, schools, theater, and visual arts. Individual artists and arts organizations will receive equal consideration for grants. Last spring, the Council awarded $20,000 to 27 recipients with grants ranging from $250-$1,250.
Where we work
External reviews

Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our purpose is to develop, promote, and present arts activities and programs in the Northampton community, to stimulate public awareness and support for the arts, and to maintain and perpetuate the diversity of the artistic and cultural heritage of Northampton through the encouragement of ethnic, cultural and folk artistic expressions. It is the intention of the organization to carry out these purposes directly by the presentation of arts programs and performances within the community, and additionally to generate funds by such programming to supplement the municipal Arts Council’s financial support of local artists.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
The Council awards grants twice (as well as other grants on a rolling basis) each year to artists and arts groups from both state and locally-raised funds, and seeks to improve public awareness of the arts. Its' goals include maintaining and preserving the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Northampton, programming such annual events of interest to the community as First Night Northampton, Northampton Summer Concert Series, Transperformance and Silver Chord Bowl, and advocating on behalf of the arts community.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
The Northampton Arts Council has an all-volunteer board, and staff, consisting of a full-time executive director, a full-time arts events producer, one half-time production assistant, and one student intern from Smith College.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Starting in 1991 the organization was able to fund a second round of grants in the spring by creating and producing successful fund-raising arts events that continue until this day. Since 1989 the Northampton Arts Council has raised and distributed over $500,000 in grant monies to local artists, schools and arts organizations; $150,000 for cultural programs in the city’s schools; $100,000 to improvement of the Academy of Music’s stage. In addition the organization has been successful in raising enough money to provide a salary for a full-time Arts Events Producer and a production assistant.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
NORTHAMPTON ARTS COUNCIL INC
Board of directorsas of 08/11/2020
George Myers
Amherst Cinema