Pittsfield Cultural Office Exploring Changes to Lichtenstein, 3rd Thursdays
 The Cultural Development Department is considering clustering thematic components of 3rd Thursday, such as children's programming, from other activities. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As it approaches 10 years old, the city's Cultural Development Department is looking to refine some of key components of its operations.
A subcommittee of the Community Development Board has begun the process of assessing the current and potential usages of the department's Renne Avenue home, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts.
Among the issues to be considered is the nature of tenancy for artists, some of whom have utilized studio spaces in its upper floors for many years.
"Some of the artists here have been here for 20 years," said Chairman Andy Kelly at a meeting of the board this week, a prospect he says was not necessarily what Kitty Lichtensten intended when the building was donated to the city. "It's not supposed to be an appointment for life."
As such, the subcommittee is exploring some possibilities for revising the way that some of these spaces are used.
"We're not looking to do anything drastic," said Cultural Development Director Jennifer Glockner. "This could be a long feasibility process."
"No one's being kicked out," added Shiobbean Lemme, the department's administrative assistant.
The downstairs administrative area that houses the department itself has already recently undergone a slight remodel to enhance it as a more professional work space. Other changes in the works include a new security system being installed, in which users who have a key to the building will each have their own dedicated security code to improve accountability.
The possibility of "incubator spaces" for artists is another option being looked at. Glockner said one artist has recently vacated a studio, which is not being filled at this time in the hopes that this may serve as the first incubator space.
Overall, the vision is to improve access to the arts center for a wider range of Pittsfield residents.
"The place should be used as often possible, by those who are doing art," said Kelly.
One of the department's other core responsibilities, putting on the monthly May-October 3rd Thursday street festivals, is also being looked at for improvements.
A significant modification being looked at is restructuring the festivals into a layout that offers more thematic concentrations, for instance clustering together family and youth-oriented programming separately from things that may appeal to other demographics.
City Councilor Melissa Mazzeo voiced enthusiasm for this idea, suggesting it may make attending and accessing offerings easier for parents.
The board is also discussing ideas for incorporating more art and culture into the mix, in part prompted by the success of an outdoor art party held on the lawn of St. Joseph's Church at July's event, to highlight and benefit the debut of Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park.
Some inclusion of the growing Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Markets, held on First Street on Saturdays throughout the same seasonal period, is also being considered.
Finally, for the first time in nine years, fees for vendors will be raised, from $65 to $70, excluding nonprofit organizations that will still receive a rate of $35.
Increased vendor fees may help to offset a reduction of about $10,000 in this year's city budget allocation for the department, funds that go toward paying support staff for the small office.
This year's 3rd Thursdays were considered an overall success, and notably devoid of public safety incidents that have occasionally stymied the event, thanks to a demonstrably increased police presence. This fiscal year marked the first time that a police force payroll for "street festivals" was included as a separate line item in the Police Department's annual budget.
"We've had a great year," said Lemme. "We've not had an incident this year, with any challenges from the community with attendees."
Tags: 3rd Thursdays, arts center, cultural development, street fair,
