Vision

The region’s cultural destination–where passions emerge and the creative spirit thrives.

Mission

Serving individuals of all ages, cultures, and artistic abilities across the MetroWest region, the HCA develops artistic skills, offers outstanding artistic performances and exhibitions, and enables visitors to experience art in all forms. Under one roof, we celebrate art through classes and events in visual art, theater, music, dance, ceramics, writing, and film. 

Among our innovative current programs:

* Visual arts instruction for developmentally disabled adults and children with autism

* Free Summer Sunset Jazz Series in our beautiful amphitheater

* Linkage with public school students and teachers, who use HCA as an educational resource in the arts and in leadership training

In the visual arts, theater, music, and dance, HCA annually offers over 200 classes to more than 1,000 students, from preschool to seniors, drawn from the diverse population of over 100 cities and towns. In 2015 we opened our expanded art center, with newly renovated classrooms, a new 200-seat performance space, and a new exhibition space. The Delbridge Family Performance Space and the Lotvin Family Gallery annually present dozens of productions and exhibitions by students and adults, amateurs and professionals. Created in 2011, HCA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts center, fosters and celebrates the creative spirit in everyone.

We are a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to military personnel and their families during the summertime.

The Story of the HCA 

The property on which the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) sits was once part of a large tract of farmland that was purchased from the Terry family in 1996 by the Town of Hopkinton. Soon after, five local artists petitioned the town to allow them to lease the property to create an art center. The town approved, and the 1.3 acre parcel of land, which included a farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings was leased to the newly formed non profit, the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA). The CAA utilized the farmhouse for art exhibits, classes, and events. Other buildings were not usable.

In 2005, the CAA hired Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects to create a plan to renovate the property. With help from the town of Hopkinton’s Community Preservation Act funds, the CAA started the process of restoring the barn into usable space for classrooms and events. They stabilized the barn, created a new foundation, and configured an outdoor amphitheater. 

In 2010, the CAA agreed to collaborate with Hopkinton's community theater, Enter Stage Left Theater (ESL). Together, CAA and ESL were able to share resources for the benefit of both. A new organization was formed from the partnership between these two key cultural organizations. The new Hopkinton Center for the Arts became an official 501 (c)(3) in March 2011. Enter Stage Left Theater became the HCA’s resident theater company.

Also in 2011, the HCA was awarded a large pledge of funds towards a capital building campaign from the Hopkinton Community Endowment (HCE). Together, the HCA and the HCE worked together on a capital building campaign to expand the facilities. With the addition of large Massachusetts Cultural Council and Franklin Center for the Arts grants, Hopkinton CPC and ADA funding, and the immense generosity of our community, particularly the Delbridge and Lotvin families, the HCA was finally able - after 19 years of fundraising - to move forward with renovations.

In 2015, the HCA opened its new arts center, consisting of a newly renovated, two-story barn with classroom space, a brand new gallery, and a 200-seat performance space. The Center houses classes in dance, music, fine arts, theater, and film, and is now home to theatrical, dance and musical performances year-round. In 2016, an anonymous donor gifted funds to renovate the farmhouse first floor into a ceramics studio.

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) is a visual and performing arts center located within three miles of Routes 90 and 495, and an easy commute of the towns of Ashland, Holliston, Milford, Framingham, Upton, Southborough, Westboro, Medway, and other nearby MetroWest communities.

The HCA offers classes for youth, teens, and adults in the visual and performing arts. Every year over 1,000 students enjoy classes in fine art, dance, music, theater, filmmaking, photography, acting, and ceramics. In addition, students can take private music and art lessons with qualified instructors.

The Lotvin Family Gallery and Barn Galleries showcase a variety of exhibits, including juried exhibits, the HCA Members show, featured solo artist exhibits, and educational and community projects. Juried exhibits are curated by guest jurors who select pieces from submissions received during our open calls for art. The Delbridge Family Performance Center is home to a variety of music, dance and theatrical performances throughout the year, and is available for public rental.

Enter Stage Left Theater (ESL) is the resident theater of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, producing up to 8 productions every year. Each season brings a wide-array of theater options to local MetroWest audiences looking for a great affordable theater experience.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Hopkinton Center for the Arts is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all its employees, applicants, faculty, visitors and students. Hopkinton Center for the Arts does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, membership in uniformed or armed services, or veteran status, citizen status and any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law, in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarships, programs, activities, public accommodations and employment practices. Hopkinton Center for the Arts complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws pertaining to equal opportunity.

Inquiries concerning Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ policies, including its compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations may be directed to its Executive Directors.