For Immediate Release: August 11, 2023
Press Contacts:
Laura Brennan, BRPC | 413.442.1521 x14 | lbrennan@berkshireplanning.org
Jen Glockner, City of Pittsfield | 413.499.9348 | jglockner@cityofpittsfield.org
https://berkshires.org/artweek-berkshires/
ArtWeek Berkshires 2023 Welcomes Submissions
County-Wide Event Announces Call for Artists in All Disciplines
Berkshire County, MA (August 11, 2023) – Following successful ArtWeek Berkshires festivals in 2021 and 2022, which featured over 100 events each year, Berkshire County’s five Cultural Districts – the Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District, Lenox Cultural District, North Adams Cultural District, Upstreet Cultural District in Pittsfield and Williamstown Cultural District – are partnering again on an even more ambitious ArtWeek Berkshires 2023, to be held October 14-22.
The coalition recently posted its first call for artists. The non-juried event is free to all Berkshire County individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in showcasing creative work. Submissions from actors, cartoonists, crafters, dancers, designers, filmmakers, illustrators, mimes, multimedia artists, musicians, performance artists, poets, puppeteers, theater artists, visual artists, writers – and more – are welcome and encouraged. The event will feature open studios, gallery talks, theater, performances, workshops, and more interactive experiences.
“We’re all looking forward to another wonderful ArtWeek filled with something for everyone,” said Laura Brennan, Assistant Director and Economic Development Program Manager at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and ArtWeek Berkshires 2023 Steering Committee co-chair along with Jen Glockner, Pittsfield’s Cultural Development Director. “We are encouraging people and organizations of all types to be a part of this, whether they’re an emerging artist or seasoned professional.”
Funds pooled by the five cultural districts through their Cultural Districts Initiative grants from Mass Cultural Council will bring greater exposure to this year’s event. Promotions will include billboards within Berkshire County, thanks to support from LAMAR Outdoor; print and digital ads in Berkshire Magazine through a generous media sponsorship from Old Mill Road Media; print and digital ads on the Berkshire Eagle’s website; advertising on WAMC through an underwriting package from WAMC; a rack card and a web-based map to help people easily find events on a landing page hosted by 1Berkshire, the primary promotional partner of ArtWeek Berkshires.
If you are an artist, arts organization, or business that would like to participate in ArtWeek Berkshires 2023, you may sign up through this online form: https://form.jotform.com/231105324546043.
Go to https://berkshires.org/artweek-berkshires/ for more information, or reach out to your closest Cultural District. You can contact them at:
- Great Barrington – culturalgb@gmail.com
- Lenox – lenoxcultural@gmail.com
- North Adams – tourism@northadams-ma.com
- Pittsfield – cultural.development@cityofpittsfield.org
- Williamstown – info@williamstownchamber.com
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About Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District (www.gbculturaldistrict.org)
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 (www.lenox.org/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 (www.explorenorthadams.com/item/north-adams-downtown-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, and business and job development by amplifying the thriving creative community that is uniquely North Adams.
About Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District (https://lovepittsfield.com/)
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 lovepittsfield.com for more information.
About Williamstown Cultural District (https://destinationwilliamstown.org/)
The Williamstown Cultural District highlights world-renowned visual and performing arts, academic and 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.
About 1Berkshire (https://1berkshire.com/)
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. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.
About Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (https://berkshireplanning.org/)
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is the official region-wide planning agency in Berkshire County providing comprehensive planning services to municipalities which include land use, transportation, community and economic development, housing, public health, and environmental planning. BRPC promotes regional collaboration among communities and works to increase coordination between all levels of government.