Established in 1991, The Moving Company Dance Center, now known as MoCo Arts, started as one woman’s vision to transform an old machine shop into a performing arts studio. By providing accessible, high-quality arts and wellness education programs for people of all ages and levels of ability, the organization contributed to the physical, intellectual and social well-being of the citizens of Keene and the surrounding Monadnock Region. In order to continuously serve the community in greater and more meaningful ways, MoCo Arts incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2000.

When MoCo Arts became a nonprofit, the leadership of the organization thoughtfully initiated a process of clarifying its mission and value system with a concentrated focus on the creative and performing arts.

OUR MISSION Transforming lives through movement and creative expression.

OUR VISION MoCo Arts will continue to be recognized as a leader in developing creative and performing arts education which guides youth towards achieving personal excellence. We foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the importance of the arts and enhance the quality of life for all throughout the Monadnock Region.

OUR VALUES TRANSFORMATION Opening, expanding, changing the lives of our young people.

INNOVATION Teaching and working at the cutting edge of arts education.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Fostering a culture of valuing and honoring each person.

COLLABORATION Working collaboratively with others inside and outside of MoCo Arts to further our mission of transforming lives.

QUALITY Emphasizing the importance of achieving one’s personal best by offering the best possible educational experience.

COMMUNITY & FAMILY Nurturing connections rooted in acceptance.

By focusing on our mission-driven programming and staying true to our values, MoCo Arts’ enrollment expanded beyond the capacity of our space. In 2015 MoCo embarked on a new journey, fundraising $5.7 Million to build a new home, a 17,000 sq ft arts education center in downtown Keene. A grand opening celebration took place on August 28, 2018, as MoCo Arts opened its doors at 40 Roxbury Street. We now embark on a new chapter in the life of our organization.

OUR FACULTY IS OUR STRENGTH It is through the educational process that we achieve our mission of “transforming lives.” These professional arts educators are dedicated to every student that walks into our classrooms, and they are committed to reaching youth beyond our own doors. Community involvement includes school residencies, community classes, local productions, support of downtown events, and serving on local boards. While the faculty focus on the students’ educational experience, the Senior Management Team (Executive Director, Program Directors, Development Director, Fiscal Coordinator, Communications & Marketing Manager, and Customer Service Manager) supports our teachers, customers, and community and is recognized for their exceptional service. Our Executive Director guides the staff in fulfilling our mission and meeting our organizational goals and serves as a leader in the arts community. MoCo Arts’ governing Board of Directors is comprised of 11-19 involved, connected, and invested community volunteers who meet at least 10 times each year.

Now, MoCo Arts is looking to the future and exploring our programmatic, outreach, and partnership opportunities, as well as examining ways to strengthen and support our existing programs. Our strategic planning initiative is laying the foundation to continue serving our community with robust and thriving programs, both in our new facility and in our greater community. Our values and mission are the bedrock of our strategic planning.

Our values are supported through two essential actions: Inclusion and Engagement. These core foundational concepts were articulated in our last strategic plan and continue to infuse our strategic thinking.