ABOUT BALL & SOCKET ARTS

Ball & Socket was working factory for almost 150 years, from 1850 until 1992. This place was a vital, local manufacturer, supporting generations of families in the area. Immediately upon acquisition of the property, Ball & Socket Arts sought inclusion on the state historic register. We are in the process of transforming this former industrial space into an environment of discovery, learning and community engagement.

When all five buildings are completed, Ball & Socket Arts will present curated art exhibits with a focus on contemporary art, foster arts-related community organizations and provide a venue for music, theater and the humanities.

In the meantime, we are planning future arts programs and hosting events to engage supporters.

Mission: 

Ball & Socket Arts is transforming an abandoned industrial campus into an innovative and dynamic arts destination for the central Connecticut region (and beyond). Built on the ethos of sustainability and historic preservation, Ball & Socket Arts offers vibrant arts & culture programming and provides accessible and relevant experiences to a broad public audience. 

Vision: 

The long-term vision for Ball & Socket is to transform the historic factory buildings and grounds into a welcoming hub for arts, culture, creative commerce, and community. Ball & Socket Arts will present curated exhibitions of contemporary visual artists with a focus on contemporary art in the Workshop Gallery, and once completed, inside Building 1. Ball & Socket Arts presents a range of multidisciplinary arts, culture, and history programming. On-site spaces in Building 1 will include: a grand exhibition hall; a flexible performance venue; an interactive history museum; an education wing; spaces for partnering arts organizations and creative commerce; and more. Our programming will include workshops, classes, and lectures for all ages, along with commissioned works of art for our exterior and interior spaces. We envision vibrant, accessible outdoor public spaces around our campus featuring art installations and spaces to gather. Our site features direct access to the Farmington Canal Linear Trail for easy pedestrian and cyclist access, as well as direct access to public transportation.

Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility