North Adams Creative District Pilot FAQ
Big news: North Adams has been chosen as the state's first Creative District pilot! A headline like that is sure to raise lots of questions, so we put together this FAQ to help describe what the pilot is, who's involved, what a "Creative District Fellow" actually does, and why this is just the beginning of a first-of-its-kind opportunity to focus time, expertise, and resources on growing downtown. Learn more below.
What is the Creative District Pilot? North Adams was picked as the state's first Creative District pilot! It's a three-year program, run by MassDevelopment, that brings a full-time economic development professional to North Adams to help our arts and culture scene fuel real growth for local businesses and downtown.
Who's paying for this? A $2.5 million grant from the Barr Foundation to MassDevelopment, over three years.
What do we actually get? A full-time Creative District Fellow working right here in North Adams, plus technical assistance and flexible funding. The Fellow has been hired and starts at the end of September!
What does the Fellow do? The Fellow is an on-the-ground organizer and connector. They'll coordinate the program day to day, help move great projects forward, and bring together businesses, residents, property owners, artists, and neighbors.
Why North Adams? Because we already have what it takes: a strong creative identity built around places like MASS MoCA, and a thriving creative economy that draws visitors and supports local business. This pilot builds on a model that's worked before, pairing an embedded person with flexible capital and real local partnership.
Who's involved? A cross-sector group of local partners comprise the initiatl partnership: the City of North Adams, 1Berkshire, Christo's Famous Pizza, Greylock Works, MCLA, MASS MoCA, Moresi & Associates, the North Adams Partnership, Scarafoni Associates, Tres Ninos, and TOURISTS. This group will grow and evolve over the next three years as projects are identified.
What exact projects will happen? That's still being written (on purpose)! Priorities will come from North Adams, shaped by the partners, the Fellow, and the wider community over the next three years, not handed down from above. Expect a focus on small businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and a stronger downtown.
How was the district area chosen? The City proposed it based on where activity and investment are already happening, and MassDevelopment and partners helped refine it. The boundaries are intentionally "fuzzy;" they mark a focus area, not a strict line of who's in or out.
How did the Partnership form, and how does it grow? It started as a small group of organizations already working together toward shared goals. It's grown since then, and the next chapter will kick off in October when the Fellow arrives. From there, the partnership and the Fellow will keep building and managing this work together.
Is this MassDevelopment's project? No. MassDevelopment is a supporter and funder, but this is our community's work, guided by local voices and priorities.
Do you have a question we didn't answer? Reach out to the North Adams Partnership.
