About ArtsHub of Western Massachusetts

Connecting Creativity, Culture, and Community

 
ArtsHub of Western Massachusetts is the central platform for discovering and engaging with the region’s vibrant arts scene. Whether you're an artist, an arts patron, an arts & culture tourist, or a business leader considering Western Massachusetts for relocation, ArtsHub serves as your guide to the creative economy.
Through our website and social media platforms, we reach over 50,000 artists, art lovers, visitors to Western Massachusetts, and other interested parties every year.
 
 

Who We Serve

 
 
Artists – A hub for creative professionals seeking funding, career development, collaboration, and greater visibility.
Arts Patrons – A resource for those who appreciate and support the arts, with access to exhibitions, performances, and cultural experiences.
Arts & Culture Tourists – A guide for Western Massachusetts’ thriving arts scene, including galleries, theaters, festivals, and public art.
New Neighbors & Businesses – A source of insight for individuals, families, and businesses exploring Western Massachusetts as a possible new home, highlighting the arts and cultural experiences that contribute to the region’s appeal.
 
 

What We Offer

 
 

For Artists

  • Comprehensive Artist Directory – Get discovered by patrons, collaborators, and event organizers.
  • Funding & Career Resources – Learn about grants, business tools, and professional development opportunities.
  • Workshops & Training – Learn about marketing, pricing, and digital tools to expand your creative practice.
  • Community & Networking – Join artist meetups, collaborations, and gatherings. List your events, studio space, and opportunities for collaboration.

 

For Arts Patrons

  • Event Listings – Stay informed about performances, gallery openings, and cultural happenings.
  • Support Local Creatives – Discover artists to commission, support, and collaborate with.
  • Featured Stories & Insights – Read artist profiles, behind-the-scenes features, and curated recommendations.
  • Engage with the Arts Community – Participate in discussions, forums, and events that celebrate local creativity.

 

For Arts & Culture Tourists

  • Explore Cultural Destinations – Plan visits to museums, theaters, and creative hotspots.
  • Festival & Event Highlights – Stay updated on annual arts festivals, performances, and exhibitions.
  • Curated Itineraries & Insider Tips – Discover unique experiences that showcase the best of Western Massachusetts’ arts scene.
  • Meet Local Creatives – Connect with artists through open studios, artist talks, and workshops.

 

For New Neighbors & Businesses

  • Understand the Local Culture – Learn why Western Massachusetts is the place to be to enjoy a diverse, exciting arts scene, culinary experiences, and access to the natural world.
  • Connect with the Creative Economy – Explore partnerships with artists, cultural organizations, and events.
  • Business & Community Resources – Access insights on how arts and culture contribute to regional development.

 

Why ArtsHub?

 

Western Massachusetts is home to a rich arts and culture ecosystem that fuels creativity, innovation, and economic growth. ArtsHub is the digital space where it all comes together; helping creatives thrive, arts supporters stay connected, and businesses understand the value of supporting a region with a vibrant cultural identity.
 
History
 
Launched in 2022 but years in the making, the ArtsHub is an ever-evolving idea designed to highlight and bring together the amazing artists, organizations, and events that are happening within the creative communities of Western Massachusetts. Over the years, the need for this kind of central resource kept surfacing and many organizations have worked toward this goal through networking events, summits, and extensive surveys and input sessions by the Western Mass Creative Economy Network, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) Valley Creates initiative, and countless other organizations. A planning grant from CFWM helped begin the planning process for the hub, and major funds were secured through a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to start this beginning phase of the project.
 
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 the evolution of this initiative.  Together, artists/creatives of all kinds are the engine that drives the creative economy in the region, and there is a lot planned to keep it moving forward.
 
Phase 1 of the project was designed to create a platform to organize existing arts-related information in the region, pull it into one central place, and host a Summit devoted to helping members of the creative community learn and share ideas for how to survive and thrive as the sector worked to recover from the impact of COVID.
 
Phase 2 involved outreach to make sure that as many artists as possible (writers, musicians, actors, organizers, administrators, etc…) in the region were visible on the site, with plenty of outreach and promotion across social and traditional media to encourage creatives and organizations to get listed on CreativeGround as well as use the ArtsHub platform to list opportunities, spaces, events, jobs, and other info.
 
Phase 3 will focus on deepening engagement with artists, organizations serving artists, Local Cultural Councils, Tourism Boards, Chambers of Commerce, and other organizations that contribute to the cultural economy and enhance our region's quality of life.
 
Strengthening regional partnerships with economic councils and tourism boards will further integrate the arts into local development. To ensure financial stability, Phase 3 will establish sustainable revenue streams through fundraising, sponsorships, and expanded grant opportunities. By the end of this phase, ArtsHub will be a fully embedded resource, helping to drive Western Massachusetts’ creative economy.