Medfield, MA [January 28, 2026] — Bellforge Arts Center has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Dedham Savings Community Foundation in support of the organization’s capital campaign to build a fully accessible, state-of-the-art performing arts venue on its historic Medfield campus. The grant will help fund critical audio/visual (A/V) infrastructure for Bellforge’s future 300-seat performance space, transforming the interior of the former Medfield State Hospital chapel into a vibrant regional destination for the arts.
Bellforge Arts Center is preserving and renovating historic buildings on an 87-acre campus in MetroWest Boston—an area with limited arts infrastructure—to create an inclusive cultural hub offering live performance, arts education, culinary programming, and community gathering spaces. The A/V infrastructure funded in part by Dedham Savings Community Foundation will ensure the venue is accessible to people with hearing and visual impairments, support multilingual and hybrid programming, and expand access for audiences of all backgrounds.
“This generous support from Dedham Savings Community Foundation comes at a pivotal moment for Bellforge,” said Jean Mineo, Executive Director of Bellforge Arts Center. “Their investment helps us move closer to opening a space where everyone, regardless of income, ability, or background, can experience the transformative power of the arts. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission and in the lasting impact this project will have on our region.”
The grant also represents an important vote of confidence as Bellforge advances its capital campaign for the performing arts venue’s A/V infrastructure, helping to unlock additional funding and accelerate progress on the project.
“Support from trusted community partners like Dedham Savings Community Foundation is essential to the success of this campaign,” said Renana Kehoe, Director of Development at Bellforge Arts Center. “This grant not only provides critical funding, but it also signals to other supporters that Bellforge is building something meaningful, inclusive, and deeply connected to the needs of our community.”
Once complete, the new performing arts venue will serve tens of thousands of visitors annually and host performances, youth education programs, workshops, and community events—preserving a historic landmark while creating a welcoming space for connection, creativity, and healing.
About Bellforge Arts CenterBellforge Arts Center is a new cultural destination in development on the historic grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital in Medfield, Massachusetts. Designed as a regional hub for creativity, wellness, and community connection, Bellforge will feature a 300-seat performance venue, artist studios, classrooms, and expansive outdoor space for festivals, concerts, and public art. Through dynamic programming, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to accessibility and sustainability, Bellforge aims to foster artistic excellence and inspire a new generation of creators and audiences.
About Dedham Savings Community FoundationThe Dedham Savings Community Foundation is a privately funded foundation created by Dedham Savings to provide financial support to charitable organizations that serve disadvantaged populations within the Bank’s community reinvestment area. These communities include Dedham, Needham, Norwood, Sharon, South Boston, Walpole, Westwood, and contiguous areas. Typical requests are received from schools, libraries, family service organizations, and non-profit organizations. The Trustees of the Foundation accept grant requests from community organizations and make awards twice per year. Organizations wishing to request funding from the Foundation may apply online at dedhamsavings.com/community.
About Dedham SavingsIncorporated in 1831, Dedham Savings is one of the oldest banks in Massachusetts still doing business under its original charter. The Bank delivers technology-driven solutions in a client-centric way to promote the financial success of the individuals, families, businesses, and non-profit organizations in the communities it serves. Dedham Savings manages $2.5 billion in assets through full-service locations in Dedham, Needham, Norwood, Sharon, South Boston, Walpole, and Westwood, Massachusetts. Dedham Savings is Member FDIC, Member DIF, and an Equal Housing Lender.
