Gibbons Queer Community Theatre.
Photo credit: Tracey Eller Photography
EASTHAMPTON — CitySpace’s Pay It Forward program is open once again and performers and arts organizations are encouraged to apply for the opportunity for free space, a stipend, skill building and stage access.
The Pay It Forward program is designed to break down barriers and provide free venue access, stipends and professional development. Performers in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties can apply for short-term residencies at CitySpace’s Blue Room.
Eligibility and requirements are available at cityspaceeasthampton.org/pif and applications close on April 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Now in its fourth year, CitySpace’s Pay It Forward program is more than just access to a stage — it’s an investment in performers of the region. The program specifically focuses on low-to-moderate income performers who often face financial hurdles to producing and presenting their work.
CitySpace President Burns Maxey said the program was born from her and CitySpace Vice President Nikki Beck discussing the need for performers and access to space.
“With the CitySpace board and artist advisory committee, we dreamt up Pay It Forward as an opportunity — not just for CitySpace, but for the entire community — to support artists by giving them space to create and perform, particularly those who have barriers to access,” said Maxey. “So, it evolved to only being a program about providing free space but also provides a stipend and skill-building and peer community building opportunities so they can take their work to the next level.”
Maxey added the program aligns with CitySpace’s broader vision of making Old Town Hall a welcoming arts destination and one that strengthens the creative ecosystem in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties and ensures performance remains accessible.
“Performers or arts [organizations] can be emerging, mid-career or established for the Pay It Forward program. If you have an idea for a performance or show that you’ve been hoping to work on, experiment with and develop further, Pay It Forward is a fantastic platform to test out new ideas and hone in on something you just haven’t had time to accomplish,” said Maxey.
Selected performers and arts organizations will receive free use of the Blue Room for rehearsals and performances between July and December, a $1,000 stipend, event support and documentation, proceeds of ticket sales, workshops and peer-learning cohorts to support artistic growth and career development.
This initiative aims to provide regional performers with the space and resources they need to experiment, create and share their work with the community including music concerts, theater productions and dance shows.
“After working directly with Pay It Forward artists last year, I saw over and over again exactly why this program is so important — especially now,” said CitySpace Arts programming and Venue Manager Zoe Fieldman. “Not only do Pay It Forward participants get to see the financial impact their art can have, but they also build an artistic community and learn important skills that help grow their art making practice in sustainable and empowering ways.”
A 2024 study by the Mass Cultural Council shows that on average individuals in Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties who are making more than 50% of their income in the arts, humanities and interpretive science occupations are earning 28% less than the Massachusetts State Living Wage. Musicians, singers, dancers and actors earn some of the lowest individual income wages in the arts field in the state.
CitySpace’s Pay It Forward program aims to address this disparity by giving performers in the three counties who need it most the tools to perform, connect with new audiences and communities, and walk away form the program with greater skills to make for financially and creatively successful performances moving forward.
“It allows performers to take risks and push boundaries without having to worry about the economic repercussions of attempting to put on a show,” said Fieldman. “They don’t have to worry if the art they are creating will be ‘worth’ the money they have to sink into the project to make it happen. When you work with artists who face economic barriers to making their art it becomes immediately evident that having access to something that seems simple, like rehearsal space, makes a world of difference.”
Fieldman added she has seen firsthand the confidence of artists skyrocket after this experience, and she looks forward to the upcoming round of applicants. Any artists interested in applying are encouraged to stop by Fieldman’s drop-in session on April 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at CitySpace to ask questions on the program or simply take the time to work on the application alongside other artists.
Suraj Malla, a 2024 Pay It Forward recipient, said his experience showed the community support available in the region for artists.
“The Pay It Forward residency didn’t just provide us with the space and resources to create — it gave us a community of support, collaboration, and shared passion. It allowed us to take risks, push boundaries and ultimately tell stories that matter.”
Open to all performers with an annual income of $65,000 or less and arts organizations based in Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties. Performers that experience barriers to access are encouraged to apply. About 10 projects are typically selected.
For full eligibility and application requirements see cityspaceeasthampton.org/pif.
Looking ahead to another year of the Pay It Forward program, both Fieldman and Maxey look forward to seeing another round of local artists get this opportunity.
“Since launching the program, Pay It Forward has supported theater groups, one-act playwrights, bands, musicians and dancers — empowering artists across Western Massachusetts to bring their work to life at Old Town Hall and connect them with new audiences across the region and beyond,” added Maxey.
