MASS MoCA

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art will implement "It Takes a Village," a programming and evaluation initiative, which is the start-up phase of the four-year "Art for Change" project. The project will create Kidspace thematic arts education programs under a single narrative and developmental arc that enforces positive habits of mind through four identified themes: 1) empathy, 2) optimism, and 3) courage, which are fundamental to a child's ability to 4) problem-solve. This initiative will increase school programming and institute a much-needed evaluation system for school partners orchestrated by a professional evaluation team. Programming includes field trips to the museum with art-making, artist residencies, performances, teacher workshops, and curriculum development for 2,400 Pre-K - 8 grade students. The museum will assess the success of its exhibition model and integrate evaluative practices into every aspect of the Education Department to guide the future direction of school partnerships. The education staff will then disseminate the project's findings to the community and to the education field at large.