Lichtenstein Center for the Arts Opens Applications for Residency

12:28PM / Thursday, March 19, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts has announced the opening of applications for its second annual Artist-in-Residence program.

The initiative provides one selected artist with free studio space for 11 months, beginning in May 2026 and concluding in April 2027.

Located in the Upstreet Cultural District, the Lichtenstein Center serves as a hub for the local arts community, housing nine individual studios, a ceramic studio, and a gallery. The residency is intended to facilitate artistic development by allowing a practitioner to create new work while interacting with other onsite professionals.

The program is limited to full-time residents of Pittsfield who are at least 21 years of age. Applicants may be emerging or experienced artists but must have prior exhibition experience. To apply, candidates must submit a portfolio of at least five images via website, social media, or email, followed by a remote interview with the Cultural Development office staff.

The deadline for all application materials is March 31.

In addition to the 11-month studio placement, the resident will participate in the "OUT OF THE STUDIOS" group exhibition in October 2026. The artist will retain 100% of the proceeds from any artwork sold during this show.

The residency also includes:

A $200 stipend for a featured appearance at "Palace Park" during a First Fridays at Five event, involving work displays or live demonstrations.

Promotion through LovePittsfield.com social media platforms.

Access to the center's collaborative environment and historic facilities.

The Lichtenstein Center is named for Kitty Lichtenstein, who donated the building to support the city's arts scene. It currently serves as the headquarters for the city's Cultural Development Office.

Interested artists can apply by contacting the Cultural Development office at cultural.development@pittsfieldma.gov.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

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

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.

View Full Story