Our goal is for Visions Video to open a member-supported video store that, to the customer, looks and feels much like video stores have for the last 30 years. We aim to create a welcoming space with an expansive and unrivaled collection of DVDs, Blu-Rays (and even VHS when there’s no other format!) with a broad mix of classics, new releases, international cinema, documentaries, queer cinema, experimental cinema and much MUCH more.
A Visions Video Membership will give you full access to our library so your membership fee is all you pay, there’s no cost on an item by item basis, you can rent as much as you want with a limit on the number of items you can have out at one time and best of all, no late fees!
While we are still working on securing an accessible permanent location, we are in conversations right now to secure a temporary pop-up location in Downtown Northampton. We’ll use this space to begin collecting donations, sharing information about the project, signing up members and entering our films into our database
How Can You Help?
Help Us Find A Permanent Home! Our ideal location would be centrally located in a thriving arts and shopping district, functioning as both a neighborhood video shop and a destination for the surrounding areas. As our capacity grows we hope to emphasize the cultural role of video stores by organizing and supporting micro-screenings, film discussions, workshops, and other arts events–both in our space and in partnership with like-minded Western Massachusetts filmmakers, artists, and organizations.
Get Involved! We are a working group of committed individuals with a shared belief in the power and future of a video store in our community. We all have strong ties to our artistic and film communities and know the value added by creating and nurturing a space like this. We strongly believe that video stores can withstand the challenges of the digital age, like record shops and bookstores before them—but with a new and revised business plan. If you’d like to be involved email us: visions.video.wmass@gmail.com or connect with us on social media.
Most importantly, Donate! We need your support to make it happen and keep it running so please visit our donate page to learn more and please spread the word!
Here’s the current plan to bring this project to life:
Phase One– Pop-Up Video Store. We will open a pop-up location to begin collecting and processing donations, signing up members, doing administrative and operational work, meeting with folks interested in helping the project.
Phase Two – First Crowdfunding campaign to help build our collection and pay for limited overhead while securing a permanent location.
Phase Three– Open a permanent location and begin the ongoing work of running the store and expanding our capabilities. Depending on membership levels will may hire a part-time staff person in phase two or three.