Mass Cultural Council Launches LCC Program Grant Cycle

BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council announces that grant applications are now available for the FY25 Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program.

In FY25, Mass Cultural Council will invest $5.7 million into the LCC Program, the nation's largest volunteer-based, grassroots arts and culture public funding network. In total, 329 local and regional cultural councils award annual grants, ensuring public investment in, and access to, arts and culture in every Massachusetts community.

LCC grant awards, typically between $500-$750, support a broad range of projects and programs, such as operating support, ticket subsidies, field trips, artist residencies, public art, fellowships, community events/programs, site specific projects, and other activities, based on local priorities. Both individuals and organizations are eligible for funding.

• September 5, 2024 – Information Session
• October 16, 2024 – Applications Due

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines for more information, including directions on how to apply.

 

Suspect in Circular Avenue Shooting Arraigned

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
01:36PM / Wednesday, September 02, 2026

William Harrison is being held without bail for 120 days. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A suspect is being held without bail after being arraigned on charges related to last month's shooting at Circular Avenue and Division Street. 

 

The prosecution alleges that Willie Harrison, 26, shot Yandel Osorio on Aug. 18 inside a multifamily building in broad daylight when there were a number of people in the general area.

 

Harrison appeared in Pittsfield District Court on Wednesday; he was taken into custody on Tuesday after arriving at court on another matter. He was charged with: 

• Assault and battery by discharging a firearm
• Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building         
• Possession of a firearm without a FID card
• Possession of ammunition without a FID card

Given the circumstances and Harrison's prior criminal history, prosecutors argued that no less restrictive conditions would adequately ensure public safety and asked that he be held without bail for 120 days, which was granted by Judge Rebecca Michaels.

 

"The commonwealth would assert that there are no less restrictive means to assure not only the safety of the victim in this case, but also to assure the safety of the civilians, individuals inside the home, or any other individuals at this point, the investigation continues to be ongoing," said First Assistant District Attorney Marianne Shelvey.

 

"Given the facts concerned in this case, the fact that the shootout occurred in broad daylight when there were individuals present, this could have been a much more significant circumstance." 

 

At the arraignment, Harrison was represented by attorney William Barry, who asked that his client be released with GPS monitoring and no curfew.