Mass Cultural Council Creative Experiences Grants Now Available

Print Story | Email Story
BOSTON — Applications are now being accepted to Mass Cultural Council's Creative Experiences FY27 grant round.
 
This program provides funding for experiences in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences that invite public participation, spark engagement, and contribute to the cultural vitality of Massachusetts.
 
The Creative Experiences program provides one-year grants of $2,500 or $5,000 to organizations intended to support activities taking place between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.
 
As the Commonwealth's independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.
 
Key dates for the FY27 Creatives Experiences grant round include:
 
Applications Due – April 30, 2026 at 11:59PM (ET)
Award Notification – Expected Fall 2026
 
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines for more information, including instructions on how to apply.

Tags: Mass Cultural Council,   

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

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral Announces Closing

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Another North Street business has announced their sudden closure.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral announced on Instagram that its doors will close. 

"What many people don't see behind a creative business is how much it grows, shifts, and eventually asks more of you than one person can realistically carry. Between the rising costs of flowers, increasing rent, and the sheer volume of work, the business has become almost too successful for one person to sustain alone."

Owner Ashley Davidson opened the shop at 393 North St. a couple years ago and was selling flowers long before that according to her social media history.

Thistle 'N Thorn sold floral arrangements for events like weddings, funerals, and more. She also sold gifts, bouquets and wreaths according to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Davidson also hosted events and workshops for those to create their own arrangements. 

"While this chapter is closing, I want to be very clear about something. This is not the end for me," Davidson wrote on Instagram.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I built. It took vision, grit, creativity, and a lot of courage. Those things don’t disappear just because a business chapter ends. If anything, they’re the reason I’m confident stepping into whatever comes next."

She also said she will be honoring the weddings and events she has already scheduled and plans to offer more workshops.

 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories