While it seems like Mother Nature is embracing winter weather earlier every year, it is comforting to know that things are already warming up with spring’s new statewide tradition, ArtWeek. Entering into its third year of celebrating the Creative Commonwealth, ArtWeek 2020 (May 1-10) is an innovative festival based on making art and creativity available to all. An award-winning ten days featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences that are hands-on, interactive or offer behind-the-scene access to artists or the creative process, last season featured almost 600 events across the state – and most were free. No wonder the media hails it as “the Bay State’s most creative festival.”
While the Berkshires are a well-known cultural destination during the summer and fall, ArtWeek has helped shine the spotlight on the area’s vibrancy during the pre-season. Previous years have featured regional arts walks, talks, festivals, and season kick-offs; artist demonstrations and history excursions; behind-the-scenes glimpses and musical high notes; community mural making and story slams; and more! ArtWeek has become the ideal canvas for both residents and locals to get creative throughout the Berkshires.
What’s new for 2020? The good news is that the Berkshires now boasts five cultural districts (Williamstown, North Adams, Pittsfield, Lenox, and Great Barrington) and they are already collectively brainstorming on developing this creative corridor in new and innovative ways. Also, the Berkshires will be recognized as a standalone region in the calendar filters, artweekma.org website, and its #DestinationArtWeek section. This is an ideal opportunity for everyone to join the chorus and make the Berkshires really sing.
ArtWeek also celebrates the creative economy. Small businesses, chambers, and others are also getting into the act. The Art of Food allows restaurants, bakeries, and breweries to show off their culinary creativity with artistically inspired or culturally themed treats (special drinks, desserts, and dinners have wowed ArtWeek guests in the past). Light Up the Night brings the art of illumination to buildings, bridges, parks, and waterways that literally shines the spotlight on culture. And #DestinationArtWeek invites the hospitality sector to offer creative lodging experiences; last year one package included an ArtWeek discount, artisanal cheese platter, watercolor supplies, and free passes to a local museum.
Want to learn more about how to get involved as an event host, community partner, media sponsor, or special program participant? Check out artweekma.org to explore the FAQ and Inspiration sheets (filled with 100+ event examples), join a short online SPARK webinar, chat with an ArtWeek team member, signup for the newsletter, or email us at artweek@bochcenter.org. Applications are now open; the final deadline is February 21 (special programs have a little more leeway) but submit by January 10th to receive extra benefits. The online calendar goes live on April 1 st before the festival kicks off in May.
So while you enjoy this festive winter weather, we also invite you to put a spring in your step and get those creative juices flowing. Help light some creative sparks in the Berkshires by joining us for Spring ArtWeek, May 1-10, 2020! Remember #creativityliveshere #intheberkshires.
Sue Dahling Sullivan is the ArtWeek Lead Champion for the nonprofit Boch Center’s signature community program. Presented by Highland Street Foundation and produced by the Boch Center, ArtWeek is an annual award-winning innovative festival serving over 134 towns across Massachusetts. Statewide champions of ArtWeek include the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, and the Mass Cultural Council, who also serves as ArtWeek’s Creative Communities sponsor with additional support from the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. 1Berkshire acts as a leading regional partner and is joined with many other Berkshire-area partners who can be viewed at www.artweekma.org
Photos – select events (top to bottom):
1. Lenox Juried Art Hunt – hosted by Art Lenox – April 26 through May 5, 2020
2. Community Mural Coloring – hosted by Berkshire Museum – May 3 through 5, 2020
3. Ian Berg Subject: Matter – hosted by Jacob’s Pillow – May 4, 2020