Leadership at any level can be lonely, especially as our field continues to shift. Homecoming is an opportunity to step back from the business of the everyday and spark new ideas, support and be supported, and renew ourselves. We’re stronger together than we are apart.

The theme of this Homecoming is ‘space’ and how we use it. Activities at Homecoming will focus both on the physical space of MASS MoCA – how its size provides artists with space to do things that can’t be done elsewhere –  as well as abstract spaces where leaders reflect, think, and connect. You can expect compelling sessions led by your fellow alumni, stimulating discussions by an outside facilitator, and activities both at the museum and in the North Adams community. 

Homecoming is a celebration co-designed by your peers in the NAS community. Through their work, Homecoming will emphasize connection with the North Adams, Massachusetts area, building meaningful relationships among each other, knowledge sharing, inspiration and self-care. When you return to your work after Homecoming you’ll have a renewed energy for your mission and a fresh perspective on how to get there.

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) is the largest contemporary art museum in North America and one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA is able to embrace all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. Much of the work shown in their light-filled spaces, on their technically sophisticated stages, and within their lovely network of late 19th-century courtyards is made on-site during extended fabrication and rehearsal residencies that bring hundreds of the world’s most brilliant and innovative artists to North Adams all year round.

MASS MoCA is situated in North Adams, Massachusetts, nestled in the Berkshires and approximately 30 miles from Albany, New York (and the location of its closest major airport).

The primary hotel for NAS Homecoming is Hotel Downstreet, located one block from MASS MoCA. Booking the Lodging Package for Homecoming includes three nights at Hotel Downstreet through the NAS room block – a $200 value.