Framingham's ātac Can't Reopen Yet, But More Programs Coming

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Almost one year ago, Framingham's ātac performing arts space was on the brink. On March 10, one day before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, ātac closed its doors and launched an emergency fundraiser to stay afloat through the crisis.

The fundraiser was ultimately successful, and ātac's leaders found a way to provide online arts programming during the pandemic. And after a rollercoaster year, Gov. Charlie Baker is now allowing performance spaces like ātac to reopen.

ātac isn't planning live shows just yet — the reopening guidance prohibits singing and the use of certain musical instruments, and capacity limits make holding shows financially unworkable. But executive director Jannelle Codianni is working on plans to bring back performances, and to expand ātac's offerings beyond its Hollis Street building.

COMING SOON: See ātac live-streaming events in March and April

The typical ātac season runs September to June, so Codianni is cautiously planning events for the fall under a hybrid model, hoping vaccines will have saturated the state by then. The venue has also been offering live-streaming performances for months. Most are available with a suggested donation.

"I'm biting my nails and holding my breath for fall. If we continue on this path, then those things will be possible," she said referring to vaccines and a slight downturn in local cases.

Other local venues, including TCAN in Natick, have been offering in-person programming. But a key difference for ātac was Framingham's status as a red high-risk community. That designation lasted for months from August until early February.

The pandemic highlighted for Codianni how ātac can function beyond a performing arts space. The building was the site of coronavirus testing in 2020, and was used to distribute food and masks. She's keeping those events in mind while programming future events.

"One thing that's come out of this that's been a positive is our ability to support the community in unexpected ways," she said. "I feel really lifted up by the connections we've made, and we'll continue to build on that."

This summer — typically a time when the venue is rented out — ātac will host a film series at Plymouth Church thanks to a grant from the MutualOne Charitable Foundation. The family-friendly series will feature movies like "The Iron Giant," "The Secret of Nimh" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"

The venue is also planning to performances at parks in Framingham. There are also plans to have local young people paint a mural on the back of the building. Meanwhile, ātac will continue offering streaming programs. The venue has also partnered with Access Framingham to air a show touring art collections in local homes.

Things haven't quite returned to normal one year after the crisis of March 2020, but ātac is still here. Codianni's goal is to ensure ātac is a community resource for Framingham. And in return, hopes the community can help ātac remain a part of Framingham.

"These are the institutions that define our community, empower our youth and create the reasons we like to be part of things," she said. "It always feels like extra when times are tough, but [these institutions] are vital, and they are an economic driver."