BOSTON — Mass Cultural Council announced that 58 state-designated cultural districts will each receive a $15,000 Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) award through the Cultural District Investment Grant program. 

 

"Cultural districts not only draw people in, but they also create the conditions for communities to thrive," said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "Through the Massachusetts Cultural Districts Initiative, we recognize the essential role these districts play in strengthening local economies, animating public spaces, and creating places where people feel connected, welcome, and inspired. Cultural districts strengthen our communities while laying the groundwork for long-term economic and cultural vitality"

 

In Berkhshire County the Great Barrington Cultural District, Lenox Cultural District, North Adams Cultural District, Upstreet Cultural District in Pittsfield and the Williamstown Cultural District were all awarded $15,000 grants. 

 

As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.

 

Each of the 58 state-designated cultural districts will receive a $15,000 award. These flexible funds may be used to support a wide range of activities, including marketing and promotion, organizational and partnership capacity-building, artist and vendor fees, public art and creative place-based work, collaborative planning and cultural policy efforts, and community-engaged data collection and reporting.