Pittsfield Inaugural Artist-In-Residence at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts' inaugural Artist-in-Residence program offers an opportunity for an artist to gain creative space and exposure while engaging with the local arts community.

The program not only provides a free 6-month studio space starting in April 2025, but also includes a culminating group exhibition in October 2025, giving the resident artist a platform to showcase their work alongside the other artists at the Lichtenstein.

This residency is designed to foster artistic development and collaboration, allowing the artist to focus on creating new work or refining existing pieces while interacting with arts professionals, stated a press release.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is a hub for creativity and community in Pittsfield. The historic building and its location in the Upstreet Cultural District make it an ideal setting for artistic development and public engagement. Here's a quick overview:

  • Art Gallery & Performance Area
  • Artist Studios: Nine individual studios providing artists with the space to create.
  • Ceramic Studio: A specialized studio for working with ceramics.
  • Cultural Development Office: Central to supporting the arts in Pittsfield.

Named after Kitty Lichtenstein, the arts benefactor who donated the building, the center stands as a tribute to her commitment to the arts in Pittsfield and beyond. The facility itself serves as a testament to the positive impact of supporting local artists and fostering an arts scene. The Lichtenstein Center is a key resource for both emerging and established artists.

Eligibility

  • Full-time residents of Pittsfield
  • Open to both emerging and experienced artists aged 21 and up
  • Artists must have prior experience exhibiting their work

Selection Process

  • Submit a portfolio with a minimum of 5 images, which can be shared via website, social media, or email
  • Participate in an in-person meet and greet with the Cultural Development office the week of March 24

Benefits

  • Free studio space at the Lichtenstein Center for Arts from April to October
  • Opportunity to exhibit in the OUT OF THE STUDIOS group show in October 2025
  • 100 percent of sales proceeds from artwork sold at the group show
  • $200 stipend for being featured in Palace Park during one First Fridays at Five, where you can showcase your work and/or perform live demonstrations
  • Interaction and collaboration with other artists at the Lichtenstein
  • Promotion via LovePittsfield.com's social media platforms

To apply please email: cultural.development@cityofpittsfield.org.

The deadline to apply is March 19.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Town Meetings That Rejected CBRSD Agreement to Vote Again

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The three towns that failed Central Berkshire Regional School District's proposed regional agreement last year will likely see it again on this year's annual town meeting warrant. 
 
The item failed during last year's town meetings in Hinsdale and Peru, as well as Cummington's special town meeting — the regional agreement needed six out of the seven towns to vote in favor of passing. 
 
Until an updated agreement is approved, the school district will continue to operate under its current agreement and follow state law. 
 
The original agreement, created in 1958, has been amended several times and approved locally but never by the state Department of Education, which is required.
 
Over the past year, David Stuart, the vice chair of the School Committee and chair of the ad hoc regional agreement committee, and other School Committee members have visited the towns to find a solution and inform residents about what the state allows to be included in the regional agreement.
 
Despite this, they were unsuccessful in getting the Hinsdale, Cummington, and Peru's select boards to support it. 
 
"It's been hard. There's a lot of good things in here," Stuart said. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories