Flywheel

Flywheel, a collectively run, not-for-profit space, aims to build community and give artists of all types the opportunity to craft, practice, and perform their work in an environment where creativity is valued over profit. Volunteer-run and governed by consensus, Flywheel believes that art and information should be equally accessible and affordable to all people.

In the spring of 1998, two local women musicians founded Valley Arts and Music Alliance, a grassroots collective in which artists would help each other produce free, all- ages shows that reflected the their own creative visions rather than the values of the music industry establishment. Their first show attracted like-minded people, most of whom were already doing similar things in their own homes, church and dorm basements, record stores, VFW halls, and any other place they could find. Together the group produced over two-dozen shows through December of 1998, when a friend and supporter found a permanent space in Easthampton – a long-vacant cabinet store owned by a local doctor. As word of the space spread, more people joined, and Flywheel was born. Our doors opened in March of 1999. Since then, the unique expressions of countless artists continue to transform the space from day to day. Over the years, some old friends have moved on while new ones have joined us, but the vision remains the same.

Flywheel is a non-profit, volunteer-run community arts space open to all, offering: Live music Art exhibits Film & video screenings Poetry & spoken word Theater & performance art A zine library A café Space for meetings & discussion groups Fun and games … and more!