BACKGROUND
MASS MoCA is the largest visual and performing arts center in North America; a world-class cultural institution that exists to catalyze and support the creation of new art, expose its visitors to bold visual and performing arts, and re-invigorate the life of a region in socioeconomic need.
HARDWARE: The MASS MoCA Store along with the Williamstown satellite store , MASS MoCA by Design contribute to the mission of MASS MoCA by championing and representing innovative young companies, designers, and artists along with local and regional producers.
THE CHALLENGE
The MASS MoCA Stores seek producers of exciting new products to add to its fun and functional selection of wares. Optimal items include, but are not limited to:
- Fresh, surprising, challenging, and well-priced merchandise that reflects the qualities of the work in the MASS MoCA galleries and performing arts spaces.
- Items that complement MASS MoCA’s industrial surroundings and reflect the pulse of the buildings including products that repurpose, re-use, and express creativity through sustainability.
ELIGIBILITY
All applicants must be a ‘Friend of Berkshire Creative’ ($25). If you are not already a friend, please click here to become a Friend.
Applicants of all ages, backgrounds, and training are encouraged to submit ideas. Applicants must live, work or go to school in Berkshire County.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND IMAGE GUIDELINES
1. Click here to fill out the online application.
2. To submit Images either include your website in the online application or email up to 10 images to info@berkshirecreative.org.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 5pm, September 27, 2010
Designers whose work is of interest will be contacted by October 8, 2010.
Selected participants will be invited to MASS MoCA for a October 15, 2010 tour and presentation on the MASS MoCA stores and the creative assignment.
Questions?
Contact Helena Fruscio, Director of Berkshire Creative by phone at 413.822.8324 or email at helena.fruscio@berkshirecreative.org.
Feel free to blog/tweet/share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues!
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CREATIVE CHALLENGE BACKGROUND INFORMATION
WHAT IS A CREATIVE CHALLENGE?
The Creative Challenge connects Berkshire manufacturers and businesses to local designers, engineers, and creative workers with the aim of stimulating innovative research and development for existing and/or new product lines
HISTORY
The Creative Challenge was born from “Design It Here, Make It Here”; an initiative outlined in the 2007 Berkshire Creative Economy Report, which suggested developing a campaign to explore the interest in and capacity for manufacturers in the county to take on the production of “creative products.” The report identified that, “Likely candidates would be those companies that manufacture plastics, metal, fabrics, and wood products, as well as those involved in printing.”
HOW IT WORKS
Berkshire Creative partners with a local business to define the nature, format and criteria of a Berkshire Creative Challenge. This can be anything from the re-visioning of existing products, generating new ideas and concepts for existing production methods, to introducing a brand new product line!
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A CHALLENGE AT YOUR BUSINESS?
This program is designed to connect Berkshire manufacturers and businesses to the rich creative talent pool of the Berkshires, so more Berkshire products may be designed here and made here!
Companies interested in hosting a Creative Challenge should contact Helena Fruscio, Director of Berkshire Creative by phone at 413.822.8324 or email at helena.fruscio@berkshirecreative.org.









