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

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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.

CBRSD Makes Cuts to Lower Town Assessments

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — School officials say reductions in the Central Berkshire Regional School District's budget will be felt, but remain optimistic that it will not prevent them from being "the best regional district in the state."
 
Throughout the budgeting season, officials said they strived to keep the seven member towns informed amid contractual increases outside their control and concerns with a state aid funding formula described as "remarkably wrong."
 
The initial budget was about a 9 percent increase, but with "strategic reductions" the district was able to cut that down to 2.99 percent, bringing the total budget to $37,740,005. 
 
"This was no small feat," said Paul Farella, district's Finance Committee chair.
 
In earlier budget drafts, towns voiced concerns over significantly higher assessments, which ranged from approximately 7 to 15 percent, compared to prior years, when it was about 2 to 7 percent. 
 
With the revised budget, projected net town assessments are: 
  • Becket for $2,859,205, an increase of 5.49 percent
  • Cummington for $670,246, an increase of 5.11 percent 
  • Dalton for $10,106,445, an increase of 5.86 percent
  • Hinsdale for $3,277,495, an increase of 10.54 percent 
  • Peru for $1,083,751, an increase of 6.11 percent 
  • Washington for $826,774, an increase of 6.64 percent
  • Windsor for $995,438, an increase of 9.37 percent
"[The cuts] will be felt, but we believe that it is what is necessary for the time being to not overburden our towns while still being able to provide a quality education to our community," Farella said. 
 
Delivering high-quality education while responsibly managing public funds in a district, which like many rural areas, faces financial constraints is a duty Superintendent Michael Henault said he takes very seriously.
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