This summer, MASS MoCA hosts Skate Haven for two days of workshops exploring skateboarding culture, civic advocacy, and the arts. Inspired by the EJ Hill: Brake Run Helix and Jason Moran: Black Stars: Writing in the Dark exhibitions, Skateparks, Arts, and Advocacy at MASS MoCA will look at how skateboarders can use skateboarding to make change in their communities. Students from North Adams and New Haven will have a chance to learn alongside one another, making new connections and sharing perspectives from outside of their respective communities. The program includes 15 spaces for New Haven students and 15 spaces for Berkshires students, and is 100% free (registration required).

Bus from New Haven departs August 11.

SKATE JAM August 13, 4pm
Free & open to the public

Schedule of Events

Saturday, August 12

10am – Push to Start Skate Clinic
Instruction, powered by the Push To Start Skate Program, will introduce the participants to skateboarding in a supportive environment.

11:30am – Visual Arts Workshop
Participants will explore aesthetics, motifs, visual language by taking a look at common visual motifs of skateboarding culture.

1:30pm – Learn to DIY!
Participants, in small groups, will build low-difficulty skateboard obstacles under the guidance of Skate Haven’s program facilitators.

3:30pm – Make It Official
Participants will learn how to get a skate space built in their community in a seminar led by Skate Haven’s skatepark advocates

4:30pm – Skate Space Design
Participants will arrange pre-fabricated obstacles and skate their layouts to test the “flow” of the skate space. A group discussion about space and how space is regulated will follow.

Sunday, August 13

10am – Push to Start Skate Clinic
Instruction, powered by the Push To Start Skate Program, will introduce the participants to skateboarding in a supportive environment.

11:30am – Plate & Destroy
Participants will be introduced to nutrition, healthy food and culinary techniques that contribute to a healthy body and give them energy to skateboard.

1:30pm – MASS MoCA Tours
Participants are given time to explore MASS MoCA’s expansive set of exhibits in guided tours.

4pm – Skate Jam open to the public
Skate Haven & MASS MoCA welcome participants and the public to a skate jam on the museum’s campus (Courtyard D). The jam will feature live music, food, and a one-of-a-kind skate-able sculpture designed by artist/designers Evan Eden & Wes Masco.