Pittsfield Cultural Council Seeks Applications for Grants

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Cultural Council will accept applications for 2026 Mass Cultural Council grants from Sept. 2 to Oct. 16, 2025.
 
The PCC invites artists, musicians, performers, educators, community groups, non-profits, and others to apply for grants to support art shows, concerts, performances, workshops, lectures, short-term artist residencies in schools, and other community programs.
 
Applications for 2026 must be submitted only through the MCC website (not by mail or email) beginning at 10 a.m. on Sept. 2. Deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 16. No late applications will be accepted. The PCC will discuss and vote on applications in open meetings in the fall of 2025 and will notify successful recipients by mid-January 2026.
 
Grant Information Sessions:
  • The MCC will hold a free online information session for prospective applicants on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
  • The PCC will hold a reception for 2025 grant recipients and answer questions from prospective 2026 applicants on Sept. 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Zucchini’s, 1331 North St., Pittsfield. To RSVP, email pittsfieldculture@yahoo.com by Sept. 1.
"In evaluating applications, the PCC will give highest priority to proposals for free community events and activities, as well those with a clear purpose, a secured venue, and the potential to reach the greatest number of Pittsfield residents," said PCC Chair Marilyn Gerhard.
 
To apply, learn more about grant requirements, visit the PCC home page on the MCC website.
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories