The Community Action Network (CAN) at MASS MoCA was an ongoing initiative built on a foundation of long-term commitment to our local community. Launched in the spring of 2019 with the generous support of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the collaborative fostered an enduring relationship between the museum and its neighbors. By bringing together community organizations and MASS MoCA staff, CAN empowered participants to co-design meaningful engagement strategies each year.
This network of shared advocacy was dedicated to achieving greater goals: supporting nonprofit organizations, strengthening local businesses, and making a lasting economic impact across the region. Through these efforts, we not only contributed to the growth of our community, but also enriched learning and knowledge, creating opportunities for everyone to engage with contemporary art through our public schools and regional colleges and universities. Our work emphasized the importance of access to MASS MoCA, ensuring that art and culture remain a vital part of the lived experience for all.