July 18, 2025
MCLA student Conall Mannion ’26 has spent the last several months working with the North Adams Partnership, contributing to public projects that connect local history, art, and civic engagement. Mannion, who studies arts management, began the internship in the spring semester and will continue some of his work, including the development of a mini documentary, into the summer.
The North Adams Partnership, led by Executive Director Jenny Wright, is an organization
dedicated to achieving the economic development and housing goals identified in the
North Adams Vision 2030 plan.
“This is the first internship the Partnership has hosted, and it was very fast and
loose,” Wright said. “Fortunately, for me, Conall is a total self-starter. He immediately
draws a connection between tasks and a bigger picture, and approaches his work with
curiosity and inquiry. He presents himself to others in a professional, confident
manner and, in turn, inspires confidence in others. He is proactive, not waiting for
direction but taking initiative and pursuing pathways that will lead to the best possible
outcome.”
Mannion’s responsibilities have ranged from assisting with community engagement events,
to independent research and producing a mini documentary. He supported a public information
session related to the North Adams Route 2 Overpass Study and began a historical directory
documenting residents who lived on streets significantly changed or removed due to
urban renewal.
Mannion also submitted a grant proposal to the Mass Cultural Council to support summer
programming tied to “Hatchlings”, a North Adams public art project. That initiative is the focus of his ongoing documentary
work, which he is producing with support from Northern Berkshire Community Television
Corp. The mini documentary includes interviews with “Hatchlings” creator Vanessa Till
Hooper and members of the community, exploring the role of public art in local storytelling.
“This gave me a taste of what I’ll be able to do with my degree,” he said. “And, also,
the comfort of knowing that arts management isn’t only useful for museum work, but
it’s widely applicable.”
Wright said she observed Mannion evolve throughout the semester, particularly in how
he approached professional communication and video production.
“He’s learned to cold-call community members, set up interviews, frame his shots,
and guide interviewees through conversations,” she said. “That hands-on practice has
helped him test and build his instincts in real-world situations.”
Mannion’s internship is closely tied to his academic work. He first met Wright when
she visited his Managing Creativity class, where he asked about an internship following
her talk. The connection between MCLA’s courses and local projects made the connection
possible.
“He’s constantly building on his skill set and seeing how those skills work together,”
Wright said. “I think he’s leaving this internship with a better sense of what he’s
capable of—and where he might want to go next.”
“Hatchlings” are installed throughout North Adams, including at Hotel Downstreet,
the First Congregational Church, the Eagle Street Pocket Park, and on the MCLA campus.
