Community Engagement

Alumni, faculty, and students of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts have an exponential effect on Amherst, the Western Massachusetts region, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and beyond. 

Besides the direct and indirect contributions of our illustrious faculty, diverse student body, and talented network of alumni to the local economy (learn more about HFA's contributions to the "Creative Economy" of the Pioneer Valley), our many centers, institutes, and programs offer members of the community access to resources and experts and the opportunity to participate in life-long learning.

The Arts Extension Service (AES), a national arts service organization, is one such center working to serve the arts through education, research, and publications. Virtually every state arts agency in the nation has hired AES to deliver training in a range of topics to their constituents. Offering courses in Arts Management, AES helps bridge the gap between art and the community.

The Western Massachusetts Writing Project is a local site of the National Writing Project aimed at creating a professional community where teachers and other educators feel welcomed to come together to deepen individual and collective experiences as writers. 

Find out about all of our Centers, Institutes, and Programs here. For information on Continuing and Professional Education, visit umassulearn.net.