NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Common Folk Artist Collective announced that it has been awarded $7,500 by a fund established by The Barr Foundation and managed by National Arts Strategies (NAS). 

 

This grant is designated for Creative Community Fellows New England alumni to implement strategic plans that foster creative growth and community change in New England.

 

With this funding, Common Folk will embark on a strategic planning process aimed at expanding its mission and addressing its recent growth beyond its previously occupied 1,000 square foot brick-and-mortar space. The collective's goal is to develop a dynamic Community Arts Center to better serve North Adams and the surrounding region, stated a press release.

 

As Common Folk departs its physical space on Holden Street, it will continue programming in various community spaces yet to be determined. 

 

"We are exploring new physical locations downtown, but nothing is finalized yet," said Jessica Sweeney, owner and creative director of Common Folk. "We are confident that North Adams would greatly benefit from a larger artist retail space, shared art studios, performance areas, and incubator spaces to support small businesses and independent artists."

 

The strategic planning process will involve extensive surveys of Common Folk members, the broader community, key stakeholders, and alumni. 

 

The survey results and the strategic plan will be released to the public later this fall. Those who can't attend the conversation may take the survey at any time by visiting https://commonfolk.org/strategic-plan.

 

"Community input is incredibly valuable to us," Sweeney emphasized. "We want to ensure that the new community art center serves the needs of both residents and artists, helping us shape our goals and strategies."

 

Since its launch on Main Street in 2018, Common Folk has served as a incubator for independent artists and creative businesses in North Adams, nurturing talents such as WallaSauce, Savvy Hive, Anywhere Productions, Becky Waterhouse, The Art Vending Machine, Misa Chappell, Made by Sarah Rose, Sarah DeFusco, Ryan Walters, McGeeney Media, and more. Over the past 13 years, the Collective has activated numerous spaces across North Adams and Berkshire County, offering performing arts, literary arts, art markets, networking events, community collaborations, and music and arts festivals.

 

Katherine Haig, a Berkshire County artist and nine-year member of Common Folk, has been a volunteer, managing the retail store and contributing to program development and market events. 

 

"Common Folk has helped me grow as an artist and community leader," Haig said. "The Collective has significantly enriched the local art scene and opened doors for artists and artisans. I am honored to be part of this group and excited to see our growth, not just in physical space, but in our capacity to serve the community."

 

The strategic planning process, including surveys and public forums, will enhance the possibility of establishing a larger space for the community arts center.