ArtWeek Berkshires Issues Open Call for Artists for May Event

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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.
 
Sign up online: ArtWeek Berkshires May 15-25, 2026.  
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.

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