Monday’s show focused entirely on the Berkshires, a region that relies heavily on the arts and tourism sectors to bring in money to the area. We know both of these drivers have been heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

First, we checked back in with Jonathan Butler, president and CEO of the economic development agency 1Berkshire. We last spoke with Jonathan back in May, when the region was just making its way through the state’s first wave. Now, we’re two weeks into phase three of the state’s reopening plan and the region is finally seeing visitors.

Then, we took a look at a new program that employs artists in exchange for their work in social justice programs in the region. “Artists at Work” is a pilot program that launched earlier this month through funding from The Office, a production company based in New York City and London. We chatted with Rachel Chanoff, president and founder of The Office Performing Arts + Film, about the pilot program and how she hopes to expand it around the country.

Segments:

Jonathan Butler – 1:44
Rachel Chanoff – 16:14