ArtWeek Berkshires Issues Open Call for Artists for May Event

03:14PM / Monday, March 09, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Organizers of ArtWeek Berkshires 2026 announced an open call for artists, seeking participants for a 10-day, county-wide cultural celebration scheduled for May 15–25.

The event is a non-juried collaboration between the five state-designated Cultural Districts in Berkshire County: Great Barrington, Lenox, North Adams, Williamstown, and the Upstreet Cultural District in Pittsfield. Participation is free for all local individuals, organizations, and businesses.

ArtWeek Berkshires typically features more than 100 events annually, including open studios, gallery talks, theatrical performances, and workshops. The committee is encouraging submissions from a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, filmmaking, writing, and performance art.

"ArtWeek Berkshires is unique in that it is the only county-wide collaborative cultural event hosted by the Cultural Districts of Berkshire County," said Jen Glockner, Pittsfield's Cultural Development Director and steering committee co-chair.

The initiative is supported by pooled funds from the participating cultural districts through grants from the Mass Cultural Council. These funds are utilized for marketing and promotion to highlight the participants.

Registration is currently open online for emerging and professional artists interested in hosting events during the May window.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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