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. Our mission is to sustain efforts for social progress and equity through affordable arts programming. We believe that when community members have a place to voice their experiences, amplify their stories, and fully realize their cultural power, we take steps forward together toward a more just, equitable and resilient world.

RCA was founded in 2021 by artist and public school educator Maddie McDougall and artist Grace Vo. After working within the local arts community for several years, they observed who was denied access to the exclusive “art scene.” For people to access local artmaking and showcasing opportunities, they tend to need certain privileges like expendable income, access to childcare, and flexible jobs. In the three years since our inception, RCA has provided free and low-cost programming to kids and adults throughout the Pioneer 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 camps for kids in our Easthampton studio
Queer/Trans Art Group
Intergenerational Workshops & Drop-In Art Making time for all ages

At this moment, we are leaning on you, our community, to help us raise $20,000 by January 1, 2025; this funding is imperative to keeping our doors open for another year. As a nonprofit rooted in and dedicated to our community, we believe in transparency. As a fledgling organization, we are still in the process of finding our footing and establishing sustainable funding streams.

Fundraising for the Resilient Futures Campaign began October 1st, through the crowdfunding platform Patronicity. Rounding out the last month of the campaign will include our first annual “Ball for All Auction: Celebrating Arts, Inclusion and Resiliency in the Valley” on December 8 at Progression Brewery in Northampton! This exciting event will showcase local artists and makers, who attendees can bid to spend time with to learn new skills. Examples may include ceramicists, painters, fiber artists, photographers, and more!

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. We invite you to come join us at the Ball for All, and to consider making a one-time or monthly donation through our crowdfunding page at Patronicity to help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 by January 1!

All auction items and experiences will be processed here, through GiveButter.

Resilient Futures Campaign

Please make 2025 donations to: https://givebutter.com/artisforeverybody