Description
Since opening in 1999, MASS MoCA has become one of the world's premier centers for making and showing the best art of our time. With annual attendance of 120,000, it ranks among the most visited institutions in the United States dedicated to new art. More than 80 major new works of art and more than 50 performances have been created through fabrication and rehearsal residencies in North Adams, making MASS MoCA perhaps the most fertile site in the country for new art. The museum thrives on making and presenting work that is fresh, surprising, and challenging.
Visual arts
MASS MoCA exhibits work by many of the most important artists of today--both well known, and emerging--focusing on large-scale and complex installations that are impossible to realize in conventional museums. Our broad, soaring galleries with 110,000 square feet of open, flexible space and their robust industrial character have proven both inspiring and empowering to artists.
Performing arts
An essential and integral part of MASS MoCA's mission are the more than 75 performances staged year-round, including popular music, contemporary dance, alternative cabaret, world music dance parties, outdoor silent films with live music, documentaries, and avant-garde theater.
Education
MASS MoCA’s Education Department offers a wide-range of learning opportunities for students, teenagers, teachers, adults, and families. Programs include: hands-on art classes; lectures; Art Assembly performances for schools; artist talks; guided tours; art camps; after school programs; and Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio.
Economic and Commercial Development
To offset operating costs and stimulate job growth in our region, MASS MoCA develops and leases space to a wide range of exciting business, including restaurants, publishing companies, law firms, photography studios, and computer-generated special effects. We also collaborate with many partners across the county to strengthen regional tourism, improve infrastructure for small business development,and attract and retain residents. Much of this work has been documented and analyzed by our partners at theCenter for Creative Community Development, a national research and policy organization operated by Williams College and located on our campus.
