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Date: 10/28/2020
EASTHAMPTON – Despite COVID-19, the arts are still alive in Easthampton and the nonprofit organization known as the Flywheel Arts Collective is helping people in the community cope by showcasing art, music and theater.
Through a collective group effort, Flywheel Arts was established in 1999.
Located at 2 Main St., Flywheel has operated in the old Town Hall building since 2007. Previously known as Valley Arts and Music Alliance (VAMA), the organization was in desperate search for a location to settle. Their venue floated between Easthampton and Amherest, as most places at the time weren’t available for artist community use. After receiving word that the Old Town Hall was going to be turned into a city for arts, VAMA volunteers knew this was where they wanted to settle and changed their name to Flywheel Arts. They opened in April 2010 and have been hosting events there since.
As this organization is strictly volunteer run, they are dependent on the people. Chris Dooley, an active volunteer at Flywheel explained, “Our space is very accessible. We run a comics fest, have a zine library and tenants are even doing Zumba here.”
The zine library in particular is very popular and includes poetry and journals that are “self-made,” Dooley added. A lot of it is focused around music and art. The collection is incredibly large with some of coming all the way from Brazil.
Flywheel’s mission statement was adapted in 1999. Dooley said, “Flywheel believes that art and information should be equally accessible and affordable to all people.” This includes all ages. “Whatever they’re interested in, they can come in and check out.”
The majority of Flywheel’s events take place on the weekend. For the volunteers, their work is very flexible. Dooley explained, “They give their availability and can decide if they want to volunteer weekly, monthly, or even twice a year. There’s no pressure for anyone to do more than they need to.”
During the pandemic, Flywheel hasn’t been able to host its traditional live music, performance art events, theater, art installation and film screenings. “COVID has limited how our events and space operates,” Dooley said.
Flywheel is still trying to adjust. With not much use of their space since March, there are many different aspects to consider in reopening. Right now, the state of Massachusetts is allowing 50 percent capacity. However, Flywheel stated that they don’t feel comfortable in doing live events. “There’s such a risk in having events indoors. We don’t want to contribute to the outbreak.”
Flywheel has come up with alternative ideas in order to stay up and running. These include live streamed concerts, dance and theater rehearsals, art installations that are shown online, and band practices.
While many small businesses are struggling, Flywheel is thankful to have a city space. “We have been given reduced rent and had a break for months. We’re in a good place financially,” Dooley told Reminder Publishing.
In the past, paying the rent depended on live events. At the door, donations were accepted, along with annual fundraising events to help raise money. “People can donate whatever they want to donate. Now, people are in a frantic state. With a lot of businesses laying off, people won’t want to donate to nonprofit organizations,” said Dooley.
Flywheel has already put some of their new ideas to the test. There have been a few live streamed events that were very successful. One in particular was a performance by Ian Mackaye. Mackaye is a part of The Evens and a band called Coriky. Attendees online ranged between 70 to 80 people. All donations that were made to Mackaye, he graciously donated back to Flywheel.
With the reliance on members of the community, Dooley said, “We wouldn’t exist without their help. We are still figuring things out but we will continue to take it day by day.”
Events are streamed live on Zoom, Youtube and Twitch. Additional information on Flywheel Arts can be found at flywheelarts.org.