Since its inception in November, 2000, the Western Massachusetts Arts Alliance has benefited from the support of a number of departments at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, including the Arts Extension Service, Campus Planning and Space Management, Fine Arts Center, and UMass Outreach. The Alliance grew out of the campus-wide Arts Outreach Council, which was established by the Director of the UMass Arts Council and the Vice Chancellor for University Outreach to support campus-based arts organizations that were sponsoring (or wished to establish) programs in collaboration with community groups, schools, and other organizations in the four counties of western Massachusetts. The Alliance has since grown to embrace members from across the region, both in its membership, steering committee and working groups. In this regard, the Alliance is a true partnership between the campus and community.