The Downtown Amherst Foundation

The Drake is run by the Downtown Amherst Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that was founded to bring Arts and Culture to the Amherst Area. More than a music venue.

From dance to comedy, spoken word to stage, open mic nights to local story-telling, The Drake is the region’s premier gathering place for the cross-cultural exchange of the arts - a place where the cultural and artistic richness of our communities can be lifted up, expanded, and embraced.

The Drake was founded through grassroots leadership and active volunteer involvement, creating a vibrant performance space and economic driver in downtown Amherst. Ticket sales and performances are often sold out, and the team brings a wide variety of arts and culture performances to the space, which underwent renovation to be a welcoming, efficient home for music and culture in the heart of town. Building on years of individual gift and grant fundraising, the Drake has reached the point where an endowment offers a sustainable salary for a permanent Exec. Director. This position is currently part-time, reflecting the reality that this is still a young organization. With success, the role may grow into a full-time one as new resources and programs emerge going forward. In the meantime, the Board and staff support the Executive Director's efforts to meet the duties below in a part-time schedule.