Western Avenue | Studios & Lofts

Western Avenue is an exceptional example of urban reuse – taking an industrial textile mill complex and turning it into a creative campus consisting of 250 work only Studios, 50 live/work Lofts, a gallery and a brewery.  Over 370 artists and makers work in all disciplines, media and styles. Many of the artists participate in the First Saturday Open Studios event that takes place every month, year-round, at both the Studios and Lofts and is free to the public. Open Studios is the best opportunity for the public to meet working artists in their creative environment, and in the case of the Western Avenue Lofts, their actual living spaces.

In 2022 Western Avenue was sold to the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.  Now a non-profit, Western Avenue's mission is to provide permanent, affordable artist spaces. We believe Western Avenue is one of the largest artist communities in the United States. The artists continually share their knowledge, tools, time and vision with each other creating a community of creatives that will endure with this new ownership.

The campus is also home to the Loading Dock Gallery – a cooperative gallery showcasing the work of 30 Western Avenue and area artists, Nibbana Cafe, Navigation Brewing Company, Refuge Lowell Art School, Angkor Dance Troupe, and Taffeta.  

Western Avenue Studios and Lofts : nurturing the arts and the artist.