Borrow the Creative Placemaking Kit

Shared tools for building community, culture, and celebration in Holyoke

Do you want to throw a block party, host a market, or stage a neighborhood festival—but don’t have the gear to make it happen? Holyoke’s Creative Placemaking Equipment Library is here for you.

Since 2012, this collection of tents, tables, lights, and sound has helped bring life to Celebrate Holyoke, the South Holyoke Festival, the Paper Festival, the Great Holyoke Brick Race, and countless pop-up events across the city. Now, it’s available to community members, grassroots groups, and small businesses who want to bring people together.

What’s in the kit?

• Tents & Tables: EZ-Up tents, cocktail tables, folding tables, shelves.
   

• Power & Lighting: Extension cords, power strips, LED work lights, rope lights.
   

• Audio/Visual: PA system, bullhorn, projector.
   

• Event Basics: Coolers, tablecloths, handwashing station, mister fan, signs.
   

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi hotspots, Square card readers.
   

How it works

1. Check availability: Contact Holyoke Art to see if the gear is free on your event date.
    

2. Reserve & sign out: We’ll set aside the items you need and go over basic care instructions.
    

3. Pick up & return: You’re responsible for transporting, using, and returning items in good condition.
    

Guidelines

• Equipment is for community-based, non-profit, or small-business events in Holyoke.
   

• Borrowers are responsible for set-up, breakdown, and safe use.
   

• Lost or damaged items may need to be replaced by the borrower.
   

• Some larger items may require a deposit or training (e.g., PA system, projector).
   

FAQ

Q: How much does it cost?
Use of the kit is free or low-cost. Contributions help maintain and expand the library.

Q: Can I borrow everything on the list?
Maybe! We try to accommodate, but some gear may already be reserved.

Q: Can I take the kit outside Holyoke?
Generally no—this is a local resource meant to strengthen Holyoke neighborhoods.

Q: Can businesses use it?
Yes, as long as it’s for a community-minded purpose (street fairs, open houses, cultural events).

Why it matters

This is more than equipment—it’s infrastructure for connection. By sharing these resources, we make it easier for neighbors to create spaces of joy, culture, and economic vitality across the city.

Interested in using the kit?

 

COMNTACT:
📩 kathy@holyokeart.com