On Symptoms of Cultural Industry

On Symptoms of Cultural Industry investigates the role of artistic and cultural production in relation to the economic and social life of North Adams, Massachusetts. Through original research interviews with employees of Sprague Electric–the manufacturer that originally occupied the massive industrial complex that is today MASS MoCA–and in response to living in this city, the work comprehensively manifests as performance, video, installation and a book. It forms an intimate portrait of a city that has transformed from an economy of manufacturing goods and materials to increasingly manufacturing culture and information.

By James Voorhies, with Timothy Nazzaro, Nate Padavick, Rachel Sherk, Cassandra Troyan Presented as part of Open Engagement in Portland, Oregon, in May 2011, and at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts, in July. 32 pages