The Montpelier Performing Arts Hub…

is a nonprofit organization founded in 2023 with a mission to be a state-of-the-art venue that hosts performing arts and community events and offers lifelong learning opportunities. The Hub seeks to fill a longstanding gap by establishing a dedicated performing arts center that provides classroom spaces, a flexible venue, and a cafe and event bar. Beyond fostering artistic expression, The Hub is committed to strengthening the regional economy and creating a space that nurtures joy, laughter, and beauty in people’s daily lives and shared experiences.

At the heart of this effort is the transformation of the historic Gary Library at the former Vermont College of Fine Arts campus. This project not only revitalizes a significant community landmark but also ensures that the development is mindful of climate change and flood risks. By repurposing this space, The Hub is building a sustainable and inclusive home for the performing arts while preserving an essential piece of Montpelier’s cultural heritage.

"Montpelier Performing Arts Hub logo with a green sunburst design and their mission statement."

Renovation Plans:

This project is about reclaiming an historic building. The Hub will transform the library into Central Vermont’s state-of-the art performance venue that will engage the community. It is flood resistant, located on the VCFA campus, across from, and with access to the green, has plenty of evening and weekend parking, and only a 10 minute walk to downtown.

The main floor will provide…

  • Intimate café/event lobby with indoor and outdoor seating

  • Front deck with a new ramp and outdoor seating for café

  • Flexible performance area featuring

    • Rigging, stage curtain settings, LED stage lighting luminaires, lighting control console, power control and distribution, integrated house/stage lighting system, stage communication system, an ADA compliant assistive listening system, flexible audience seating systems, and improved acoustics

  • Kitchenette for staff, performers, and teaching artists

  • Full-door bathroom stalls and an ADA accessible bathroom

  • Elevator to go between levels

Rendering of a large, historic red brick building with white columns and a cupola, set in a landscaped area with trees, lawn, and people sitting and walking outside on a sunny day.
A rendering of an empty theater with a small stage, two people speaking at the center, audience seated, and a person standing with a laptop on the side. The theater has two levels with wooden railings and a few large windows.
A rendering of an indoor concert hall with rows of wooden chairs, a grand piano, bookshelf, and a woman playing the piano.
Modern coffee shop interior with large arched windows, circular ceiling lights, and a wooden counter. People are sitting at tables, some working on laptops, while others are standing and chatting. There is a man and woman near the counter, a family e

The Basement Level will provide…

  • Three educational classrooms and rehearsal studios

  • Rear parking lot entrance with ramp

  • Reception area complete with lockers

  • Full-door bathroom stalls, an ADA accessible bathroom, and a shower

  • Elevator to go between levels

Rendering of the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub, a modern building with brick and concrete exterior, large arched windows, a small landscaped area with grass and rocks, and a few people walking, including a person with a bicycle, under a partly cloud
A rendering of a woman in a red dress dancing in a studio with a mirror, accompanied by a musician playing drums, with a wooden floor and a wall of mirrors.
Children and young adults in a spacious indoor activity room. Two kids sit on the floor, one in a yellow jacket, another in a blue dress. Four young adults are standing and engaged in conversation, with one playing guitar. In the background, two girl

When complete, the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub will serve students and community members as a state-of-the-art center for the performing arts.

Make a Donation Today

Support the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub as we continue to expand and work towards our renovation goal.

A spacious lounge area with large windows, string lights hanging from the ceiling, a bar with black stools, vending machines, a water cooler, multiple wooden tables and chairs, a green sofa, and decorative plants.