We ARE Better Together!

The Better Together Block Party kicks off in MASS MoCA’s Courtyard A

On Friday, May 1, nearly 300 students from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts brought creativity, collaboration, and community spirit to MASS MoCA with the inaugural Better Together Block Party. Held in Courtyard A from 3–6 p.m., the free arts-centered event served as a lively kickoff to FIRST Fridays North Adams and highlighted the power of student-led community engagement.

The Better Together Block Party was the culmination of a semester-long pilot project developed through MCLA’s Managing Creativity course, with collaborative support from MASS MoCA. Designed and produced entirely by students as an applied learning initiative, the event invited residents and visitors alike to celebrate the creativity and energy that define North Adams.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed live pop-up performances from regional artists including The Nothing Birds and The Blue Steam Project, while food and drinks were available from on-campus establishments. Guests of all ages also participated in free hands-on art-making activities that transformed the courtyard into an interactive creative space.

A featured Creative Campus Crawl connected participants more deeply with the city’s creative ecosystem. Organized by MCLA students in partnership with participating businesses, the guided small-group experience included visits to Gary Lichtenstein Editions and MASS MoCA’s Research and Development Store. Participants spent time learning about artistic production, creative entrepreneurship, and the important role these organizations play in North Adams’ cultural and economic landscape.

The North Adams Partnership is proud to have been part of the launch of such a successful pilot—can’t wait for next year! 🙌