Survey Aims to Improve Economic Structures for Local Artists

By Jen ThomasPrint Story | Email Story
Thanks to a unique collaboration of local creative institutions, Berkshire County artists from all disciplines and backgrounds can now participate in shaping the economic future of the region. This month, the Berkshire Cultural Resource Center in North Adams, Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts unveiled a survey that they hope will shed some light on the needs of working artists. "What we’re collaborating on is a project where we really look at what artists need to succeed professionally," said Megan Whilden, the director of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development. "We want to chart the landscape for what artists need." Defined as people who derive 10 percent or more of their total income from their art, working artists are an integral part of the Berkshires’ growing creative economy. In understanding the financial situation, housing preferences and professional development needs of local artists, the partners expect to better encourage the artists community, mostly in the economic sector. "A number of us in the arts community have been talking about how to deliver more support to our local artists to help them develop their business skills, meet their housing needs, and invest for their long-term growth," says Blair Benjamin, director of Real Estate and Community Development at MASS MoCA in a statement. "The surveys are a thoughtful approach to ensuring Berkshire County’s thriving economy," said Whilden, who estimated at least 1,000 artists live in the region. "You can’t help someone unless you know what they need." The survey, which has already received approximately 150 responses, follows the formation of two 25-person focus groups, held in both North Adams and Pittsfield. "We invited artists to meet with us and we talked through how they saw the housing market in the Berkshires, for example, and then we asked them what they would like to see," said Whilden. Supported by a Massachusetts Cultural Council planning grant, the survey project will help the arts institutions find additional resources to benefit artists, who Whilden called "the underpinning of the creative economy." "Artists are a critical part of what makes the Berkshires a relatively thriving creative economy and it’s not always clear what they need to improve their businesses," said Benjamin. The collected data will be used to design programs and apply for grants. Some possible program, according to Benjamin, include business training, a micro loan program and other artists’ resources. "Artists have unique challenges as solo enterprises," said Benjamin. "These initiatives will give us solid data that can help us persuade funders to support new strategies aimed at improving the livelihoods of Berkshire County artists." The survey will also give the partners an idea of how many artists actually live in Berkshire County. All practicing artists in Berkshire County are invited to participate in the anonymous survey by visiting www.culturalpittsfield.com or www.berkshireartstart.org. The survey can be completed online in 10 minutes or less. Artists can also contact Benjamin at 664-4481 x8104 to request a hard copy of the survey. Surveys must be submitted by September 15 to be included in the official results. Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, ext. 23.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Firefighters Battle Early Morning Blaze in Extreme Cold

iBerkshires.com Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – No injuries were reported after firefighters extinguished a fire in a two-story detached barn and garage at 566 South St. early Sunday morning.
 
The Pittsfield Fire Department just after 2 a.m. responded to reports of a building “fully involved” with the blaze.
 
“All personnel battled the blaze under extreme cold conditions with the main body of fire being brought under control within an hour,” according to a news release from the department.
 
The two-alarm fire brought all on-duty personnel to the scene, where they remained until about 6 a.m. to extinguish all remaining hot spots.
 
Hinsdale Fire Department was asked to respond with its firefighter rehab bus “due to the extreme cold conditions,” according to the news release.
 
There are three residences within 100 feet of the barn, but none were in danger during the fire, Deputy Chief Neil Myers said in the release.
 
The owner’s residence was not damaged in the blaze.
 
View Full Story

More Regional Stories

Sports
image description

Pacheco Wins Individual Crown at State Meet

Sports
Sports
image description

Fourth Time's a Charm for Mount Greylock Girls

Sports
Sports
image description

Crowe's Double OT Game-Winner Secures Title for Mount Greylock

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Girls Win Western Mass Title

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock, Wahconah Claim Western Mass Crowns

Sports
Sports
image description

Kaley Captures Second Classic Crown

Sports
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?