OUR APPROACH

Free Center supports community through convening and provides free access to gathering space for individuals and organizations to facilitate their own meetings and events.

We value social justice and community organizing through arts and culture. We develop our original programming based on these values and our learning from the community.

We provide access and promotion for community-led events in our space.

Individuals, community groups, and larger organizations are all invited to reserve our space for community-oriented meetings, events, and programs. This puts the power right where it belongs—in the hands of the people. We provide local residents with the opportunity to convene around their own interests which gives our team the opportunity to learn firsthand what the community sees as urgent and valuable needs.

We develop programs that uplift and empower our communities. 

Free Center learns about the needs in our communities and then we develop our own programs based on that input. Over the years, we have developed a vision for the intersection of creativity, cultural affinity, well-being, and community engagement. We use these principles to elevate community voices, support organizing and action, and cultivate equitable social impact.

FREE CENTER PROGRAMS:

Our vision for the future comes from the community, itself.

Every day, the community teaches us what it needs. As we continue to develop relationships with partners throughout the city, here’s a glimpse at what we are planning in the near future: 

Hartford Plans

Currently, we have high-speed internet available to the public at Free Center and we help folks who need it should they come to us for supports, such as access to a printer and knowledge of how to use the technologies needed to get by these days. We are seeking funding and partners to support a staff member so we can keep Free Center open to the public throughout the day. We are also looking into computers, mobile workstations, and software. This would fulfill our vision of being truly available to the public and will also support other community trainings and workgroups that come together at Free Center.

Partner + Funding Opportunity:

  • Staff person
  • 5 Apple computers / we got them!
  • Software for 5-8 computers: Microsoft + Adobe / $3000
  • 5 mobile work desks / $1500
  • Formal space divider for CO:LAB office / $75000

A community expanding its creative expression is a community better equipped to create all things including positive change and manifesting power. We have a number of initiatives aimed at exactly this creative renaissance at Free Center.

  • We are looking at extending our Community Podcast Lab work with ongoing audio—and video—training and access to production labs at Free Center.
  • We are partnering with Carol Padberg, Director of the Interdisciplinary MFA program at Hartford Art School, to refine a proposal to build solar-powered pottery studios using the free clay on which the city is built. Made from shipping containers, the prototype of this studio would be on Free Center’s site with future studios deployed throughout the city.
  • We are looking to provided digital performance spaces to the struggling arts/culture community.
    We are funded and we are training on use of the tech.
  • We have been granted a 12×18 mint condition letter press. We just need to get it delivered and installed.

Partner + Funding Opportunity:

  • Audio / Video trainers, producers, production staff / $40000
  • Video production and editing equipment / $10000
  • Management and build of pottery studio (here’s our proposal) / $20000
  • Delivery and installation of that lovely press / $7500
  • Printing trainer and equipment facilitator / $25000

We sit on about an acre of land in the middle of the city. A manicured lawn behind our building—while lovely on its own—is an exciting opportunity to activate outdoor spaces for the community. COVID 19 brings with it a heightened value in outdoor spaces. We are looking to develop our landscaped spaces to include an open air meeting patio and a community garden (to provide programming around gardening and nutrition).

Partner + Funding Opportunity:

  • Free Center signage / $3000
  • Assess and design the exterior space at Free Center / $2000
  • Free Library and food pantry / We are awaiting installation!
  • Build-out the community garden area / $3000
  • Manage the community garden and its programs / $30000

Middletown Plans

Currently, we have high-speed internet available to the public at Free Center. We are seeking funding and partners to support a staff member so we can keep Free Center open to the public throughout the day. We are also looking into computers, mobile workstations, and software. This would fulfill our vision of being truly available to the public and will also support other community trainings and workgroups that come together at Free Center.

Our space is also used for restorative, healing work. Access to equipment such as mats and blocks typically used for yoga would be helpful.

Lastly, we embarked on this adventure before COVID-19. PPE was not a thought then. Opening often means addressing the budgetary reality of PPE.

Partner + Funding Opportunity:

  • Staff person
  • 3 Apple computers / $7500
  • Software for 3 computers: Microsoft + Adobe / $3000
  • 3 mobile work desks / $900
  • Mats and other “yoga” supplies / $1200
  • PPE budget for 1 year / $2400
  • Build out of loft area for a meeting room and 5 offices / $20000

A community expanding its creative expression is a community better equipped to create all things including positive change and manifesting power. We have a number of initiatives aimed at exactly this creative renaissance at Free Center.

  • We are looking at extending our Community Podcast Lab with ongoing audio—and video—training and access production labs at Free Center.
  • We are planning on growing our capacity to host live performances, as well.

Partner + Funding Opportunity:

  • Audio / Video trainers, producers, production staff
  • Audio recording equipment / $3500
  • P/A system for live performance / $3500
  • Light kit for quality video recording of live performances / $2500

We support a vision for wellness that is integrative, meets people where they are, and celebrates the bravery of showing up to do the work of healing. We will be making this work central to Free Center. We have a general budget in mind and we are working on a concrete plan to share with our community. / $60000

Help us bring these new programs + expanded space access to the communities we serve: