MassDevelopment, Barr Foundation Partner to Launch Creative District Pilot in North Adams
Three-Year Pilot Program Will Provide Dedicated Staff Capacity, Technical Assistance, Flexible Funding, Arts and Culture Planning, and Other Resources to Support Equitable Economic Growth
Kelsey Schiller, 857-325-3477
July 29, 2026
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Today, MassDevelopment announced an economic development pilot program in North Adams that will leverage arts and culture as drivers of equitable growth while strengthening downtown revitalization efforts, supporting small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, and positioning the Northern Berkshires for future public and private investment.
Funded by a $2.5 million Barr Foundation grant, the “Creative District” pilot program will run for a three-year period. Through this pilot program, North Adams will be supported by a Creative District fellow, a full-time MassDevelopment employee who will work alongside local partners to provide on-the-ground economic development organizing expertise, coordinate program implementation, strengthen collaboration across the district, and advance catalytic projects. The pilot program will also provide North Adams with access to a range of tools including technical assistance, flexible funding, integrated arts and culture planning, and more.
“North Adams has built a strong identity around arts, culture, and creativity, making it a destination that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and strengthens the regional economy,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who serves as Chair of MassDevelopment's Board of Directors. “This partnership with the Barr Foundation builds on those strengths by providing the resources, expertise, and local capacity to help the community grow while preserving what makes North Adams unique.”
“Thanks to the generosity of the Barr Foundation, MassDevelopment has been able to test new strategies for equitable economic development and urban revitalization across Massachusetts,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “We look forward to building on this work with the creation of a new Creative District pilot in North Adams, a three-year commitment to help local partners leverage creativity and culture as drivers of equitable growth.”
“At the Barr Foundation, we believe the arts are an essential part of vibrant, thriving communities,” said Francisco Torres, Program Officer for Arts + Creativity at the Barr Foundation. “The resources that MassDevelopment will provide through the Creative District pilot program will foster inclusive economic growth and a more connected, supported arts community in North Adams.”
“The City of North Adams has long been defined by its resilience, creativity, and spirit of innovation,” said North Adams Mayor Jennifer A. Macksey. “Being selected by MassDevelopment to serve as a pilot Creative District is an exciting milestone that reflects not only our community's strengths, but also our shared vision for the future. I am especially excited to welcome a fellow to North Adams. Having a dedicated professional working within our community will strengthen connections among businesses, residents, property owners, artists, and community partners while advancing the goals of this important MassDevelopment initiative. Their presence will be a strong addition to our partnerships, help us build new collaborations, identify growth opportunities, and ensure this initiative delivers meaningful, lasting benefits for our city. The success of this effort will depend on all of us working together. As I often say, ‘it takes a village.’ By combining our talents, ideas, and commitment to North Adams, we can create a vibrant Creative District that reflects our community's character while supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life. I want to express my sincere gratitude to MassDevelopment, our community organizations, business partners, residents, and everyone who continues to believe in the future of North Adams. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant city for generations to come.”
“By combining our talents, ideas, and commitment to North Adams, we can create a vibrant Creative District that reflects our community's character while supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life.”
—Mayor Jennifer Macksey
The “Creative District” pilot program in North Adams – a city with many existing creative economy institutions and businesses and a strong local commitment to arts and culture – represents a continuation of MassDevelopment’s partnership with Barr Foundation. Since 2019, the Barr Foundation has funded efforts by MassDevelopment to invest in and expand the creative economy within Gateway Cities. This pilot program will build on lessons learned from earlier investments, which demonstrated the impact of creativity-led economic development when delivered through a full place- and partnership-based framework, anchored by an embedded fellow, flexible capital, and sustained partnership development. The pilot program will be guided by a growing coalition of local cross-sector partners, including representatives from the City of North Adams, 1Berkshire, Christo’s Famous Pizza, Greylock Works, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, MASS MoCA, Moresi & Associates, North Adams Partnership, Scarafoni Associates, Tres Niños, and Tourists.
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, delivers financing solutions, real estate expertise, and other assistance to strengthen and grow the Massachusetts economy. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, developers, banks, and municipalities, providing resources to help create jobs, build housing, and foster vibrant communities across the state. During FY2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units.
