For Immediate Release August 5, 2021
Press Contacts:
Lindsey Schmid, 1Berkshire | 413.499.1600 | lschmid@1berkshire.com
Laura Brennan, BRPC | 413.442.1521 x14 | lbrennan@berkshireplanning.org
ArtWeek Berkshires 2021 Applications Open
Early Bird Deadline Extended
1Berkshire and the County’s Five Cultural Districts Partner to Promote Festival
Berkshire County, MA (August 5, 2021) – The five designated cultural districts of Berkshire County want to remind artists and arts organizations to submit their events for the 2021 ArtWeek Berkshires, a festival celebrating the arts throughout the county with creative events from September 16-26, 2021. Applications are available at http://bit.ly/ArtWeekBerkshires.
Featured events may be submitted by individual artists, informal groups, non-profit organizations, or businesses. The early bird deadline to submit an ArtWeek Berkshires event has been extended to August 13, after which inclusion in promotional efforts cannot be guaranteed. The final deadline is September 3 for inclusion on the landing page. There is no fee to submit an event, and all are welcome to participate.
ArtWeek Berkshires is inspired by a former statewide ArtWeek festival, which has been discontinued. Despite the cancellation of the Massachusetts event, cultural districts in Berkshire County agreed to move forward with modified 2021 plans. The Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District, Lenox Cultural District, North Adams Cultural District, Upstreet Cultural District in Pittsfield, and Williamstown Cultural District, as well as Art Lenox are collaborating on spotlighting Berkshire County’s local creative economy, cultural treasures, and artistic assets. Through this year’s festival, local partners will work together to spotlight Berkshire County’s local creative economy, cultural treasures, and artistic assets.
ArtWeek events are encouraged to be interactive or offer behind-the-scenes access to arts, culture, and the creative process. Events may also take the form of exhibits, performances, or virtual presentations. Events may be presented free of charge or include a ticket or admission price. Open Studios will be a key element of ArtWeek Berkshires, allowing individual artists to share their process and invite the public into their work space, either in person or virtually.
For more information on ArtWeek, visit https://berkshires.org/plan-your-trip/artweek-berkshires/
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About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide organization focused on economic development and promotion of the region as a preferred place to visit, to live, and to grow a business. It provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers and works to develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs.
About Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District
The Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District is home to a dynamic, concentrated group of locally owned and operated businesses with something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking world-class performing arts, a farm-to-table meal, free family activities, or a uniquely curated shopping experience, Great Barrington has what you’re looking for.
About Lenox Cultural District
The Lenox Cultural District was established in 2019, in recognition of our unique blend of small town charm with world class culture and arts. Downtown Lenox has a high concentration of galleries, all within walking distance of each other. A full cultural experience in Lenox includes sampling our rich selection of restaurants and shops.
About North Adams Cultural District
The North Adams Cultural District (NACD) is a center of cultural, artistic and economic activity nestled in the heart of downtown. Its goals are to advance tourism, historic preservation, business and job development by amplifying the thriving creative community that is uniquely North Adams.
About Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District
Downtown Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District is the lively arts and entertainment hub of the Berkshires. Enjoy art, theatre, dining, music, film, shopping, spoken word and more within a mile section of the heart of the Berkshires. Go to discoverpittsfield.com for more information.
About Williamstown Cultural District
The Williamstown Cultural District highlights world-renowned visual & performing arts, academic & cultural attractions, and local artists. Nestled in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, the town is a unique mix of extraordinary art, theatre, ideas, history, and nature.