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Date: 11/16/2021
HOLYOKE – In 2009, the Holyoke City Council handed over ownership of the historic Victory Theater to the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts (MIFA). Since then, MIFA has been making steady progress to turn the theater into a 21st century performance center.
On Dec. 31, 2020, MIFA celebrated the 100th birthday of the Victory Theater through a virtual event. Since then, they have continued to make strides on construction.
Most recently, MIFA demolished the adjacent building at 134 Chestnut. St.
According to Don Sanders, executive artistic director of MIFA, acquiring this property and tearing it down was essential to the restoration of the theater.
“We had to acquire this in order to build an annex… That was to accommodate new dressing rooms, service areas, security, a loading dock and various improvements to make it a 21st century performing arts center that couldn’t be incorporated in the original building,” said Sanders.
Demolition of the property occurred in March. Sanders said it took MIFA between three to four years to take ownership of the property due to environmental factors, abatement issues and more.
“It was a very, very big accomplishment and we had funding for it from the Beveridge Foundation, individual donors… It was terrific,” he said. “It’s a key step in order to create the space for what will be the full size of the theater.”
Sanders said they are now in the process of obtaining necessary funds for construction moving forward. He said they are working on accessing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.
“We are making the big move to close the gap in construction financing. That could happen at any time,” he said.
According to Sanders, after they receive funds and financing is complete, it will be 18 months to two years of construction before the theater is finished.
“It’s a very exciting moment. We’re moving steadily and surely toward the big moment,” he said. On Oct. 27, further strides were made in the modernization of the theater. Sanders said that EverGreene Architectural Arts has officially picked up the murals on either side of the building. They are now being taken to New York City where they will be painted and restored.
Sanders said that once these murals are complete, MIFA will be hosting an exhibition to showcase them to the public.
For the rest of 2021 and into spring 2022, Sanders said MIFA will continue hosting virtual performances and events. They have been operating virtually since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although a struggle at first, Sanders said that they have overcome the challenges of going virtual and have even been able to reach a broader audience.
MIFA’s Puerto Rico Project is their most recent ongoing performance project.
“We are able to reach thousands more people. Having to go virtual, which was really quite frankly a challenge, turned out to be an asset,” he said.
Sanders said that MIFA will post further updates on construction and upcoming events on their website. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit mifafestival.org or call 540-0200.
When completed, Sanders said that the Victory Theater will, once again, be a great asset to both the city and the region.
“It is going to absolutely transform not only the City of Holyoke, but the entire region,” he said.