County-Wide Event Announces Call for Artists in All Disciplines
Berkshire County, MA (April 11, 2022) – Following a successful ArtWeek Berkshires in 2021 which featured over 100 events, 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 2022 (September 15-25, 2022).
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.
Representatives from the five Cultural District began meeting in February to review feedback from last year’s ArtWeek, which took place while COVID-19 restrictions were still in place.
“We’re all looking forward to a full, vibrant season of arts and culture activity in the Berkshires this year,” said Laura Brennan of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, who is co-chairing the ArtWeek Berkshires 2022 Steering Committee along with Cecilia Hirsch of the Northern Berkshires Cultural Council. “The experience of seeing creative work in person is what we’ve all been missing.”
Funds provided by the five cultural districts 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; digital ads on the Berkshire Eagle’s website; and a web-based map to help people easily find events. The committee is also exploring new channels for promotion of ArtWeek, which will depend on increased sponsor support in 2022.
“One of the strategies we’re exploring to promote ArtWeek Berkshires 2022 are collaborations with hotels and restaurants to create ArtWeek packages,” explained Cecilia. “We know how much time and effort it takes for artists to organize shows, so we want to do all we can on the front end to make it worth their while to sign-up.”
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation and Accommodation & Food Services are major economic industries in Berkshire County, employing on average 9,124 people per month in 2019 and paying wages of $228 million that same year. COVID dramatically changed that, with average monthly workers dropping to 6,373 and wages declining to $174 million in 2020. ArtWeek Berkshires plans to celebrate a reversal that trend, according to Lindsey Schmid of 1Berkshire. 1Berkshire is the official Regional Economic Development Organization and Regional Tourism Council of Berkshire County.
“ArtWeek 2022 is about supporting the county’s economic rebound, says Schmid. “But we also want those who uplift us creatively to see that, with the tools we have at our disposal as economic development and planning agencies, we are here to support them as we emerge from this challenging time.”
If you are an artist, arts organization, or business that would like to participate in ArtWeek Berkshires 2022, you may sign up through this online form: https://bit.ly/ArtWeekBerkshires2022.
If you have questions, 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@pittsfieldch.com
- 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 (www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/arts_and_culture/)
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 (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.