resilient (re·sil·ient) - adjective 1. to be able to adapt, transform, and thrive, growing into new possibilities in the face of difficulty or hardship.

Resilient Community Arts (RCA) is a non-profit arts organization based in Easthampton, MA with an after school program in Springfield, MA, and public art-making offerings in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. RCA’s mission is to sustain collective efforts for social progress and equity through affordable arts programming. Our job is to make this world a better place by creating safe spaces for art making— that everyone can access. We fulfill our mission by bolstering community support & resources to ensure that everyone can access the benefits of art making.

We believe art heals. It brings people together, provides comfort and tools for reflection. Art empowers individuals and communities to tell their story. Art is hope! We believe taking down barriers to art will move our community forward to a more just and peaceful future.

Many folks who stumble into RCA confess they’re new to art or creativity, but they return again and again because creating in community is a remedy for the difficulties we’re all facing. RCA allows folks to connect and create at the same time.

RCA was founded in 2021 by artist and public school educator Maddie McDougall and artist Grace Vo. In the four years since our inception, RCA has provided free and low-cost programming to kids and adults throughout the River Valley. Some of our programs include:

Maple Street Afterschool Art Program: a free afterschool art program for kids in Springfield
Summer & School Vacation Programs: weekly themed sessions for kids in our Easthampton studio
Queer/Trans Art Group
Intergenerational Workshops & Drop-In Art Making time for all ages
New for Fall 2025: Teen Studio Afterschool in Easthampton, plus expanded afterschool options for all school age students

Federal funds we had already been awarded were abruptly revoked in February, and now several months into this turbulent year we are still navigating how to continue to serve our community with integrity to our mission. With the arts under siege, and powerful institutions threatening the most vulnerable communities we serve, we are aiming to raise $12,000 by December 2nd to continue our mission: stabilizing the future of accessible and inclusive community art making and learning spaces for all ages and abilities in the River Valley.

All of the money raised from the Resilient Futures Campaign will support RCA’s programming, staff, materials, and overhead costs. We are committed to continuing to provide accessible art programming to our community members, but we need your help. Please consider making a donation to help us reach our goal of raising $12,000 by Giving Tuesday on December 2nd!

Resilient Futures 2025

Art = Hope