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MassDevelopment launches three-year Creative District pilot in North Adams
The program is funded by a $2.5-million Barr Foundation grant and will add a Creative District fellow plus technical assistance and flexible funding for local partners.
MassDevelopment announced a three-year economic development pilot program in North Adams that aims to use arts and culture to support downtown revitalization and help small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, while positioning the Northern Berkshires for future public and private investment, according to ConnectCRE.
The initiative, called the “Creative District” pilot program, is funded by a $2.5-million grant from the Barr Foundation and will be carried out through 3 years of programming in the city.
Under the pilot, North Adams will receive support from a Creative District fellow, described by MassDevelopment as a full-time staff member who will work alongside local partners, and will also get access to tools that include technical assistance, flexible funding, and integrated arts and culture planning.
ConnectCRE also cited remarks from Eric Paley, MassDevelopment’s board chair and Massachusetts economic development secretary, saying North Adams has built a strong identity around arts, culture, and creativity, and that the Barr Foundation partnership is intended to provide resources and local capacity to help the community grow while preserving what makes it unique.