BOOKING POLICY

We provide support through community-led and community-oriented gatherings, events, and programs. We envision spaces dedicated to healing, to art in all its forms, and to strengthening civic engagement and pride. We act as a vehicle for positive social impact by elevating the visions, intentions and actions of local residents who want to bring free workshops, community forums, wellness gatherings, film screenings, performances, and art showings to the communities we serve.

THE EXCHANGE

We provide space for not only established organizations, but for grassroots, in-progress, and independent organizers and creators, as well. Keeping our Free Centers open and accessible in community is a collaborative effort. We have developed “The Exchange” as a structure for sharing and balancing resources.

ARE YOU?

BUILDING COMMUNITY  an individual or grassroots group looking to host an event that is free for the community
FEES: Free

IN THE COMMUNITY  an individual, grassroots group, or small business hosting an event that will charge a fee
FEES: $150 up to 4 hours / $40 per additional hour / 50% deposit

ORGANIZATIONS  a part of an organization/institution that has an operating budget
FEES: $250 up to 4 hours / $40 per additional hour / 50% deposit

PRIVATE EVENTS  looking to host an event that is not for the public
FEES: $300 up to 4 hours / $40 per additional hour / 50% deposit

Free Center’s BUILD YOUR CRAFT Initiative  Turn your passion into a successful business through mentorship and access to Free Center as your host facility.
Contact: Kerry@freecenter.us

YOUTH-LED EVENTS  If you’re under 18 and looking to put on an event, we’ll work with you to make it happen!
Contact: Kerry@freecenter.us

Please fill out the event booking form:  for Hartford / for Middletown

A Free Center coordinator will review your booking inquiry and reach out to you directly to discuss details before confirming your booking. This conversation will include a review of our Space Use Agreement which must be signed and returned to Free Center prior to the date of your event.

Are you an individual or small community-based group looking to do something free for the community? Then it is free to book our spaces! 

We prioritize supporting our neighborhoods, cities, and region through opportunities to gather, connect, learn, and grow together.

If you’re interested in hosting recurring events, we will talk to you to best balance your vision with our calendar. Consider learning more about our Build Your Craft initiative.

Community charging community. If you plan to charge fees for your event (vendor fees, admission), then we also charge a fee. There is a flat rate of $150 for up to the first 4 hours (includes the time of arrival for set up to the time you leave after clean up), and then a $40 charge for each hour after. We request a 50% non-refundable deposit. 

Organizational rates. This is for well-established organizations, both private and nonprofit. There is a flat rate of $250 for up to the first 4 hours (includes the time of arrival for set up to the time you leave after clean up), and then a $40 charge for each hour after. We request a 50% non-refundable deposit. 

Private parties. This includes birthdays, baby showers, and other types of private events. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure booking for a private party. This deposit is applied toward the flat booking fee of $300 for the first 4 hours of space use (including arrival to set up and time after for clean up). It is an additional $40 for each hour after the first four.

Cancellation. Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations must be made 24 hours before your event. Events canceled with less than 24 hours notice are subject to the full contract fee.

We appreciate and accommodate most art showings/exhibitions. If you’re interested in hanging artwork during an event or for an extended number of days, let us know and we’ll review details with you. contact: kerry@freecenter.us

Free Center develops long-term partnerships and collaboration with individuals interested in building their craft by providing a series of free workshops, programming, or events for our community.

Examples of offerings: Health and Wellness Classes, Educational Workshops, Artist Residencies

Learn more by contacting us at: kerry@freecenter.us

If you’re under 18 and looking to host an event, a capstone project, or workshop, reach out to us directly and we’ll work with you to make it happen!
Contact: kerry@freecenter.us 

Above all, we care about the health and safety of community members and the comfort of event participants. Our approach to this new Covid era of in-person events is to work directly with hosts to determine what’s best based on the type and scale of event. 

We reserve the right to enforce all health and safety requests. You can check out most up to date information here: Connecticut Covid-19 numbers