Photo courtesy of Josh Mantello
The Artist Impact Coalition works to make the Northern Berkshires' community and economy a supportive and inclusive place for artists of all disciplines.
Current & Recent Initiatives
Local Artist Projects
Artist-driven projects that increase resources to North Adams artists or increase access to underserved sectors of the creative economy. Projects will roll out in 2021 and include a summer jazz series, a local art vending machine, subsidized marketing and audio recording services, and new galleries.
Antiracism in the Arts
In 2020, AIC began monthly community conversations that use the arts in antiracism work for North Adams. Hosted by a rotating AIC member, each online event is open to the public with a particular invitation to white artists and arts administrators to do the hard work toward equity in our community.
Artist Census
The first North Adams census was completed in March 2020, immediately prior to the pandemic. The data serves as an unintended benchmark of the “before times” and will allow us to track our creative community’s recovery. Be on the look out for future censuses in coming years.
Artist Meet-Ups
The quarterly North Berkshire Artist Meet-Ups were the very first program that AIC undertook. These take place at a bar or restaurant in the North Berkshires and are a wonderful opportunity to meet new artists and learn what old colleagues are up to. Maybe a collaboration will emerge!
North Adams Project
Working Capital Grants
MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists (A4A) began the North Adams Project in 2014. In 2020, AIC began collaborating with A4A to administer this program and allocate grant funds to local artists or those looking to relocate to North Adams in the near future.
Resource Newsletter
Every month we send out a roundup of local art happenings, opportunities, grants, arts jobs and other activities occurring in the Northern Berkshires or relevant to artists who live in the Northern Berkshires. Make sure you sign up to get the latest from the region!