WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass — Images Cinema has announced a major facility renovation project, the first in 17 years, which will dramatically enhance the availability of cinematic experiences in the region by upgrading amenities and adding a second screen.

 

The project, "Look Forward," is a $2.2 million multi-year, multi-phase construction and capital campaign that organizers say will propel the nonprofit organization's facility toward a sustainable future.

 

Images has already raised over $1.3 million for this two-screen modernization project and will now launch a public capital campaign. It has applied for $33,000 in Community Preservation Act funding.

 

The first phase of this project involved extensive architectural and strategic planning as well as the renovation of the storefront retail space into the Cinema Lounge — a screening room, bar, and community gathering space — which opened to the public in May 2024. 

 

To date, 75 films, events, and recurring workshops/classes have been featured in the lounge, greatly expanding Images' cultural programming.

 

Phase 2, which is expected to begin in the fall, includes the transformation of the cinema's single auditorium into two theaters: a 70-seat theater and a more intimate and flexible 19-seat screening room. Both will be equipped with state-of-the-art technical systems, improved sightlines and acoustics, and increased accessibility.

 

Founded in 1916, Images is the third oldest continuously operational cultural facility in Berkshire County and one of the last historic single-screen cinemas in the United States operating year-round, seven days a week. 

 

It is also the only remaining indoor movie theater in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, as well as the sixth oldest continually operating movie theater in New England. 

 

The Look Forward project marks a significant moment in the theater's history and underscores the demand for in-person cinema-going as well as the importance of longstanding cultural organizations in the Berkshires.

 

"This transition is as much a celebration of what the theater has accomplished over 109 years as it is about looking forward to the future," said Executive Director Dan Hudson. "The growth we have seen over the past decade is extraordinary, and the renovation will enable us to serve our community in new and dynamic ways."

 

In addition to the auditorium reconstruction, Phase 2 plans include a reimagined inner lobby to improve traffic flow and ambiance, remodeled bathrooms, and refurbished administrative offices on the second floor. These features will allow Images to sustain its growth operationally and as a community hub. 

 

A wide variety of special events are presented annually, from film festivals and repertory series to writing workshops and live music, creating a need for multiple flexible spaces that can be programmed simultaneously.

 

More than $120,000 was raised for Phase I which, along with gifts from the Images Cinema Board and Community Advisory Board, was financed by the Mary and Henry Flynt Grant, the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facility Fund's Feasibility and Technical Assistance Grant, and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Planning and Technical Assistance Grant.

 

To date, $1 million in early leadership gifts has been raised for Phase 2, including a $40,000 grant award from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and a $200,000 contribution from Williams College.

 

"We recently reached over 60 percent of our total campaign goal, which is incredible," said Kevin O'Rourke, chair of the Images Cinema board. "We're confident the remaining 40 percent will come from institutional and foundational sources and, most importantly, from individual contributions. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our members, donors, and partners. Their generosity has made this campaign possible and we invite community members and film lovers of all kinds to join us in supporting this transformative project."

 

Kicking off the public capital campaign is Images' annual Red Carpet Party, taking place on Sunday, March 2, at 6 p.m. during the Academy Awards. This year's event will not only honor the greatest cinematic achievements of 2024, but will also be the first public celebration of the Look Forward project.

 

Attendees will get a look at new theater seating and have the opportunity to personalize seat plates and those who claim the first 20 seats can also choose the specific location for their named seat in the renovated theater. Seat plate donations and event proceeds will directly support the Look Forward campaign.

 

More information about the 2025 Red Carpet Party or to purchase tickets here or Images Cinema at 50 Spring St. The box office is open daily, 30 minutes before each day's first showing. Visit www.imagescinema.org for an updated schedule.