To donate toward the Lovejoy Project click here. Thank you.
About the Project
Hubbard Hall was awarded $279,000 in matching funds in NY State Council on the Arts funding in support of artist housing and updated sound equipment. These funds come from NYSCA and Governor Hochul’s extraordinary $42 Million investment in Small and Mid-Sized Capital Projects for Arts and Cultural Organizations.
“Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come.”
“In the last two years, with NYSCA’s extraordinary support, we have completed several facilities projects that have greatly improved patrons’ experiences, including new HVAC systems in three of our buildings and new restrooms in Hubbard Hall,” said former Executive & Artistic Director David Snider. “The addition of artist housing and new sound equipment are critical steps in our growth in serving our community and the field at large. We are so grateful for the Governor’s leadership and NYSCA’s amazing support on these projects. We could not do any of this without them or without the support of our local community. These additions will continue to make Cambridge a destination for artists and audiences.”
The Lovejoy building on the Hubbard Hall campus has been repurposed and renovated to provide artist housing, while new sound equipment on the main stage will better support artists and audiences for years to come. The $279,000 will be matched by Hubbard Hall existing funds most of which will come from the Karen Strand Endowment as well as an additional $50,000 to be raised over a three-year period. The project was completed October 10th and we had our first artist residency use the housing the following week. The new sound equipment is the next project and this should be implemented in 2025. The new artist housing will strengthen Hubbard Hall’s ability to support artist residencies, develop new work, and bring world-class artists to Cambridge, NY for a variety of presentations and productions.
Said Hubbard Hall Board of Directors Chair Margaret Surowka: “Artist residencies are essential to Hubbard Hall, in that they bring diverse new voices and views to our rural community. With the shortage of any nearby lodging options, this grant will allow Hubbard Hall to restore the beautiful Lovejoy building in a practical way and allow us continue to invite new artists and house them here in our community.”
The leader of the board’s facilities working group, Andrew Pate, added: “Hubbard Hall is excited to be expanding its artist residency program, which has exposed a shortage of motel and short term housing in our area. The Lovejoy Building in the middle of our campus is the perfect building to adapt to our needs to accommodate visiting artists and performers. Plans and funding will make the building accessible and affordable, broadening what the Hall can offer the community. It will also allow Hubbard Hall to host emerging artists and connect with organizations out of our area.”
Hubbard Hall began work on the artist housing in September 2023 and one year later the building opened to it’s first group of artists. The architect on the project was Geoff Metcalfe of Keefe and Wesner, with engineering provided by Engineering Services of Vermont, LLC.
For more information and images contact info@hubbardhall.org or 518.677.2495.
We are continuing to raise money to help support the Lovejoy Project. Please click here to donate. Thank you.
Read about the Lovejoy Project in The Post Star here.
Read the full press release here.
Learn more about Hubbard Hall artist residencies here.
Read the NYSCA announcement here.
Progress Images – Photo credits Jonathan Barber & Judy Pate
