What Drives Us
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 performances and art 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.
2022 by the Numbers
Classes
196
Concerts
49
ESL Productions
9
HCA Affiliations
Mass Cultural Council
Card to Culture Program
At HCA we believe the arts should be accessible to all! That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Mass Cultural Council to offer the Card to Culture program, the most comprehensive effort of its kind in the nation to open doors to arts and culture experiences for low-income families. Card to Culture lets EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare card holders obtain tickets to most HCA events for no cost. This special Card to Culture ticket offers the experience of performances that span the genres – concerts, dance performances, theatrical performances, open mics, jazz jams, or our Children’s Entertainment Series. Admission to our art exhibitions is always free and open to the public. EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare card holders must present their card in person at the HCA Box Office to receive the Card to Culture free ticket. Maximum of four (4) tickets per card holder per event. HCA does not process EBT transactions — cash or other payment must be provided for concessions. To obtain your Card to Culture ticket ahead of time reach out to us at info@hopartscenter.org to reserve your tickets.
North American Reciprocal Museums (NARM)
The NARM network encompasses 1,178 art museums and galleries, historical museums and societies, botanical gardens, children’s museums, and zoos. NARM offers a searchable map of participating organizations which is updated quarterly. HCA Insider-Plus Members and above have the privileges of the NARM and ROAM programs, including: Free or member general admission price at all participating institutions; Member discount at museum shops; Access to member-only events/lectures; Member pricing for special events/lectures/exhibitions
Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)
The Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM) also connects an expanding list of world-class institutions in the US, Canada and South America for the benefit of their Members. HCA Insider-Plus Members and above have the privileges of the NARM and ROAM programs, including: Free or member general admission price at all participating institutions; Member discount at museum shops; Access to member-only events/lectures; Member pricing for special events/lectures/exhibitions
Blue Star Museum
We are a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to military personnel and their families during the summertime.
About Us
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 2,000 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 showcases 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.
Our History
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 on a 2M 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.