GLOUCESTER, Mass. — The Mass Cultural Council announced $810,000 in new grant funding to 54 state-designated cultural districts. 

 

These districts, located in host communities in every region of the Commonwealth, will receive awards from the Fiscal Year 2024 Cultural District Investment Grant Program. The grants are intended to encourage the development and success of the cultural districts and foster local cultural preservation.

 

Berkshire County Districts awarded $15,000:

As the Commonwealth's independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the creative and cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities. The Agency pursues this mission through a broad range of programs, services, advocacy, and the equitable investment of public resources.

 

In this round, 54 cultural districts received $15,000 each to support activities and goals such as marketing and promotion; capacity building; artist or vendor fees; the development or implementation of creative community placemaking or public art; collaborative cultural policy or strategic planning processes; and community-engaged and informed data collection and/or reporting.

 

Established in 2011 by an act of the state Legislature, state-designated cultural districts drive economic growth, strengthen our communities' distinctive local character, and improve the quality of life for families across Massachusetts. By supporting cultural and creative experiences, cultural districts attract tourists and entrepreneurs, which in turn help cities and towns develop their cultural sector and expand their tax base. Cultural districts are navigable areas with a density of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. They act as hubs of cultural, artistic, and economic activity, and offer a place-based identity to collaborative community initiatives.