From the Massachusetts Cultural Council:
Stockbridge — On Friday at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts Cultural Council celebrated a $3,057,350 investment into Berkshire County's cultural sector, to date, in fiscal year 2026 (FY26).
“Across Massachusetts, the cultural sector shapes the character and vitality of our communities, and this region's creative community is a remarkable example of that impact,†said Cultural Council Acting Executive Director David T. Slatery. “We are proud to celebrate the artists and cultural organizations whose work brings people together and helps culture flourish throughout the Commonwealth.â€
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.
To date this fiscal year, Mass. Cultural Council has awarded 111 grants to cultural organizations and creative individuals throughout the Berkshires, totaling $2,800,450:
- Creative Experiences: 22 organizations received $107,500 to support public activities that incorporate the arts, humanities, and/or interpretive sciences.
- Cultural District Investment Grants: Five state-designated Cultural Districts received $45,000 to encourage their continued development and success.
- Cultural Facilities Fund: 12 grants, totaling $1,511,800, to nonprofits organizations will ensure that area cultural facilities can remain in a state of good repair
- Gaming Mitigation Fund: Six nonprofit performing arts centers have received $261,500 to spend on touring shows or touring artist fees.
- Grants for Creative Individuals: 19 artists, culture bearers, and/or creative practitioners have received $95,000 to equitably advance their creative expression and practice.
- Operating Grants for Organizations and the Cultural Investment Portfolio: 26 cultural nonprofits have received $484,500 in unrestricted operating support.
- Universal Participation Innovation Fund: 13 nonprofit organizations have received $65,000 to plan and implement accessibility systems within their organization.
- YouthReach: Eight organizations have received $200,150 for programming that integrates substantive out-of-school arts, humanities, and science opportunities into a collaborative community response to the needs of youth.
In addition, 20 local cultural councils received $265,900 to regrant locally, supporting arts and culture projects in every community across the region.
During the event, the agency further celebrated the 48 cultural organizations throughout Berkshire County that voluntarily participate in the Card to Culture program, providing free or steeply discounted admission to EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cardholders. This year, Card to Culture reached two major milestones, as 600 participating organizations statewide have welcomed more than 3 million admissions through the program.
Local legislative leaders joined Mass. Cultural Council in Stockbridge to celebrate the Berkshires' cultural sector and reflect upon the impact of this funding.
“I am grateful to Mass. Cultural Council for an amazing event in the Berkshires celebrating these important investments in our community,†said State Sen. Paul Mark (D – Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District). “As we work our way through the FY27 state budget I am so grateful to see the commitment from my colleagues in the legislature in recognition of the significant impact that funding for arts and culture can have in supporting all regions of our Commonwealth.â€
“Mass. Cultural Council's continued investment in the Berkshires is an investment in the people, organizations, and creative economy that make Northern Berkshire a vibrant and unique region,†said State Rep. John Barrett (D – 1st Berkshire District). “These grants support not only our arts and cultural institutions, but also local jobs, tourism, education, and community engagement. I'm grateful to see these resources directed toward organizations and artists whose work strengthens our communities.â€
“The Mass. Cultural Council funding is an investment in our community. From our large cultural institutions to individual artists, bringing these dollars back home builds our economy while investing in the well-being of our community,†said State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D – 2nd Berkshire District). “I look forward to seeing the work that our community is able to continue doing with Mass. Cultural Council's support.â€
During the event, Mass. Cultural Council also honored Laurie Norton Moffatt. Moffatt will be retiring as director of the Norman Rockwell Museum later this year after leading the organization for the past four decades.
“Laurie has been instrumental in elevating the Berkshires as a world-class cultural destination,†said Slatery. “On behalf of the staff and Governing Council of Mass. Cultural Council, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes upon her retirement.â€
Massachusetts' fiscal year 2026 runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Throughout the year, Mass. Cultural Council administers several grant programs for creative individuals, cultural organizations, youth arts programming, and creative communities.
