About Kidspace
Kidspace at MASS MoCA, a contemporary art gallery, studio and educational program, promotes the understanding and teaching of art through experiential learning opportunities designed for elementary and middle school students, teachers, and families.
Program Description
A collaborative project of three major museums in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts—The Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute (The Clark), Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA), and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA)—Kidspace and its partners organize programs that investigate a wide range of artistic themes, contemporary art-making methods and materials with the purpose of increasing participants’ understanding of contemporary art and strengthening their visual literacy skills. Kidspace organizes innovative exhibitions in partnership with six local elementary schools. The school outreach program reaches every Pre-K–5th-grader and all elementary school teachers through artist residencies, multiple gallery visits, interdisciplinary curriculum materials, and teacher workshops. The program also includes after-school art classes for teens; numerous family programs; public hours; and website resources.
In March 2009, Kidspace moved into a 3,200 square foot gallery on the second floor of MASS MoCA. Kidspace first opened its doors in January 2000, and since then, Kidspace has mounted 19 major thematic exhibitions, and over 13,000 student and general public visitors participate annually.
The Three Museum Collaboration
Kidspace is a collaborative project of The Clark, WCMA, and MASS MoCA—three museums with outstanding exhibitions, public programs, and deep commitments to the community. Kidspace is integral to all three organizations’ educational programming and access strategy, helping to build bridges between the local community and professional artists and their artwork. As a partnership, Kidspace is overseen by a consortium consisting of the three museum directors, deputy directors, education directors, and Kidspace staff, who formulate a collective vision and strategic direction for Kidspace.
The program draws on the expertise of the staff at the three museums to plan fundraising, communications, exhibitions, and education. Each semester, Kidspace and three museum education staff collaborate with area teachers to plan the specifics of Kidspace exhibitions and education programs, the Three-Museum Semester, and outreach strategies. Moreover, building upon their experience in Kidspace, North Adams and North Berkshire students participate in the Kidspace Three-Museum Semester, making field trips to the three museums that complement their visits to Kidspace.
For more information, visit the Kidspace website.