Medfield, MA [October 9, 2025] — The Bellforge Arts Center celebrated the public launch of its capital campaign this past Saturday, marking a major milestone in transforming the historic Medfield State Hospital campus into a vibrant multi-arts and outdoor recreation destination for the MetroWest region and beyond.
The celebration brought together community members, civic leaders, artists, and supporters to honor the project’s progress and highlight the vision for Bellforge as a place where creativity, community, and wellness intersect. The evening began with hot air balloon rides, giving guests a rare chance to see the campus from above. From that height, they could imagine the site’s transformation from a former state hospital into a vibrant arts center. The event also featured a tiny print vending machine and live performances by local bands, getting attendees dancing and offering a glimpse of Bellforge’s diverse artistic programming.
The $25 million campaign, now at 79% of its goal, will fund the renovation of two historic buildings on the 87-acre campus, reimagining them as a 300-seat performance venue with classrooms, artist studios, and culinary and visual arts programs.
“Bellforge represents something extraordinary—a vision rooted in the belief that the arts have the power to connect, to heal, and to transform communities,” said Jean Mineo, Executive Director of Bellforge Arts Center. “We’ve seen firsthand how people respond when they come to this campus. They feel inspired, welcomed, and reminded of what’s possible when we create together.”
Over the past three years, Bellforge has already engaged more than 30,000 visitors through outdoor concerts, community festivals, art workshops, and family events—most of them free to attend. Programs like the Art + Food initiative, which partners with local food pantries to provide meal vouchers for families attending events, illustrate how the organization integrates art, access, and wellbeing.
Renana Kehoe, Director of Development at Bellforge, emphasized the importance of community and public support in bringing the vision to life. “This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about creating opportunity,” she said. “Bellforge will serve as a home for artists, students, and families who’ve never before had access to a place like this. Every contribution—large or small—brings us closer to making this dream a reality.”
When complete, the Bellforge Arts Center is expected to serve tens of thousands of participants annually and generate millions each year in economic impact for the region. The project not only preserves an important part of Massachusetts’ history but also builds a vibrant future rooted in creativity, inclusion, and community well-being.
The campaign launch event was generously sponsored by Holland & Knight LLP, RE/MAX Distinct Advantage, and numerous in-kind supporters.
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. Learn more at bellforge.org.
Media ContactLaurie Dowd, Director of Marketinglaurie@thisisredefined.com
