Pittsfield Recognized for Cultural Renaissance
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Elevating the arts to the same level as economic development didn't seem to make a lot of sense to some, even with all the talk about "creative economies."
"It was a huge and bold move forward by the mayor and the City Council," said Megan Whilden, the newly minted department's first — and so far only director. A couple years later, and a burgeoning cultural scene, and a "a pillar of Pittsfield politics" sidled up her and admitted, "I opposed your hiring, I didn't understand why it was necessary ... now, I'm your biggest fan."
That local pillar isn't the only one. On Tuesday, Pittsfield will be the first city ever to receive a Commonwealth Award, the highest awards in the arts, humanities and sciences given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council every two years.
"From the expanded Berkshire Museum to the revitalized Colonial theater, from its 3rd Thursdays to its independent, creative businesses, Pittsfield knows how to nurture its cultural resources," said state council's Executive Director Anita Walker in a statement. "The city's mayor, James Ruberto, and its cultural development director, Megan Whilden, understand what arts and culture can do for their city."
 Photo by David Shankbone
Pittsfield native Elizabeth Banks at the premiere of 'Spider-Man 3.' |
"I hope we get a shot of her kissing the mayor on the cheek," said Whilden, comparing Banks' appearance with the mayor to the 2007 visit by Red Sox Daisuke Matsuzaka for a personal glimpse of the city's 1791 bylaw regulating baseball, believed to be earliest reference to the game.
Banks will be introduced by her high school drama teacher, Ralph Hamman.
There were 69 submissions for the Creative Community Award, which has been given to individuals or organizations that have significantly enriched their communities in the arts and sciences. This year, cities and towns were also accepted for demonstrating the central role of arts and culture in building healthier, more vital more livable communities.
The council pointed to Pittsfield's investment in the arts and cultural sector over the past five years through the office of cultural development, and its support in the renovation of the Colonial, establishing a home for Barrington State Compnay, creating a downtown arts district and the expansion of the Berkshire Museum. That, in turn, has attracted two dozen new businesses to the heart of Pittsfield.
"The City of Pittsfield is incredibly honored to receive this award from the commonwealth of Massachusetts," said Ruberto in a statement. "We strongly believe in, support, and celebrate arts and culture as an essential part of our economic and community revitalization, with the help and support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and other state agencies. The best way for Pittsfield and the commonwealth to move forward successfully in the 21st century is to continue to invest in the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of our community."
| 2004 Office of Cultural Development 'Sheeptacular' public art project raises more than $300,000 for the community 2005 Downtown Arts Zoning Overlay District; wins state Smart Growth Award in 2006 2005 CulturalPittsfield.com; e-newsletter reaches nearly 5,000 weekly Barrington Stage moves downtown Colonial theater reopens; James Taylor films feature-length documentary there 2006 After 20-year absence, Pittsfield Ethnic Fair returns 2006-07 'Art of the Game,' a two-year community-based public art project 2007 Ferrin Gallery, one of the nation's most prominent ceramic galleries, relocates from Lenox 3rd Thursdays launches in June; resumes in May 2009. Attendance hits 10,000 at times. Cultural development director named Arts Marketer of the Month by Americans for the Arts, the national arts advocacy association 2008 Berkshire Museum renovations include a new copper roof and the opening of the Berkshire Hall of Innovation |
"It's important to me and the mayor that everyone is included," she said. "We really have an approach where art is for everyone."
Something is always happening and its bringing young people back to the city, said Whilden, noting her office's last two VISTA/Americorps volunteers stayed in Pittsfield after completing their terms. "We're actually seeing a rise in young people; they're very excited to participate in the city."
With looming budget cuts at state and local levels on the horizon, she said the city and local organizations will have to think, well, creatively to keep the cultural wheels turning. "This recession means the death of the old way of doing things and the birth of a new way of doing things."
It's more important than ever to ensure the arts and sciences continue to be integrated into the city's goals, especially in education, said Whilden. "[Banks] is a great example of someone who benefited from arts education in high school ... and [astronaut] Stephanie Wilson was at Berkshire Music School. ... It can imbue them with an ability to navigate and problem-solve creatively that can serve them well in any field."
