Why are you doing this?
With all the exciting advances in technology and media access we don’t think an equivalent experience to the in-person video store has emerged. We also believe in creating a space and collection that is driven by principles of equity, justice and true representation. We are motivated by a love and belief in the power of cinema and are not a profit-driven tech company interested in data mining and creating wealth for shareholders. I’m sure many of the folks reading this remember their local video stores fondly and names like Pleasant St. Video, Video To Go and so many others that are connected to very deep and meaningful experiences in their past, helping expose them to new and exciting places, stories, directors and more. There is no reason we should wait any longer to bring a video store and all it offers back to our community.
The best video stores offer an immersive experience in every era, genre, and region of film culture and provide a welcoming and exciting space to venture into new territory. Like great bookstores and record stores, video stores are centers of entertainment, learning, and discovery; a record of our true cultural history, a record that expands beyond the conventionally prescribed canon; and an exciting social space where friendships, ideas, and collaborations are born. Fundamentally, we believe things can be better.
Is this really possible?
Yes! There are a number of these types of video stores opening up across the country! Some are for-profit, some are connected to larger institutions, some are long-running video stores converting their model, and some are very grassroots, all-volunteer efforts. Each of the different models speaks to the needs and abilities of their specific community, but they all speak to the value of having access to a broad library of physical media located in a community oriented space that highlights, celebrates, and engages with movies! We believe the history of video rental stores is a good reference point but believe in our ability to bring dreams to life, build new institutions and create new ways of being in relationship with our art.
What does it mean to be a member?
Becoming a member will allow you to borrow from our collection. The only cost is your membership: you won’t pay on a per-item basis, and there will be no late fees! Being a volunteer non-profit means we’ll rely on memberships and donations to build the Visions collection and keep the space up and running. In addition to giving you access to the collection, your membership supports our acquisitions budget to bring in new titles, cover our costs, and help bring programming to our space.
I don’t have a DVD/VHS player!
That’s ok! If you have the money, they are readily available at brick and mortar and online retailers for less than $30 brand new! DVD players are by no means a dead or antiquated technology. Used players can also be found in abundance at thrift shops often with the remote or you can easily acquire a universal remote. In addition, we will have players available for loan DVD players are also available to check out at many Western Mass libraries. It’s an easy and small piece of equipment to integrate into your setup (be it television, computer, or projector). Considering that price point, it’s not much of an investment compared to the cost of other technology.
Are you accepting non-monetary donations?
YES! Especially DVDs in good, working condition. We also have other needs as we build out the space. If you have something you think we could use please be in touch: info@visionsvideo.org
Can we stream the collection?
There are no plans to make our collection available to stream, beyond the legal and technological challenges, we want Visions to be a space where people are able to come and browse the collection, learn about new films and be in community.
What does it mean to be a member?
Becoming a member will allow you to rent from our collection. The only cost is your membership, you won’t pay on a per item basis and there will be no late fees! Being a non-profit means we’ll rely on memberships and donations to build the Visions collection and keep the space up and running. When we find a suitable location we will be able to more fully understand the scope and capacity of the store and will include other member benefits as appropriate.
Where will the store be located?
We will be launching Visions Video at 183 Main st. in downtown Northampton, next to the site of the former Haymarket Cafe.
If you’re a property owner that has a larger, accessible space and would like to find a home for our growing collection and programming, please be in touch.
How Can I Help?
Visions Video has many needs, the easiest is to become a member. If you’re not local or find membership isn’t for you, you can always make a tax deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor Fractured Atlas.
We also rely on donations of films to continue to grow our collection. If you’d like to donate one or one thousand discs we are always happy to accept donations. Until our space is open you can email us at info@visionsvideo.org to arrange a drop off/ pick up.
If you have other ideas, expertise, resources, grant opportunities or ways to help fulfill our mission don’t hesitate to be in touch!
Who runs Visions Video?
Visions video is run by a volunteer collective of founding members. If you’re interested in volunteering email us at info@visionsvideo.org