Lila Kanner joins Jacob's Pillow as Chief Philanthropy Officer

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BECKET, Mass. — Jacob's Pillow announced that Lila Kanner has joined Jacob's Pillow as its new Chief Philanthropy Officer. 
 
She started in her new role with the Pillow on May 23.
 
Kanner brings to the Pillow more than 20 years of experience in the arts and a decade in fundraising leadership. Most recently, she served as the Acting Director of Development at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London where she managed a development team to deliver campaigns, major gifts, membership, operations, alumni relations, and events. In her tenure at The Courtauld, she oversaw the strategy and management of the organization's fundraising efforts and led the fundraising team to complete a capital campaign of more than $70 million. 
 
Prior to her time at The Courtauld, Lila served as Director of Major Gifts and Strategic Initiatives at the Harvard Art Museums.
 
"Some of my earliest, formative art experiences are from attending Jacob's Pillow performances, and I am thrilled to join the leadership team as Chief Philanthropy Officer at this important time," Kanner said. "I am inspired by the organization's artistic program, mission and the ambitions of all who are part of the Pillow's treasured local, national and international communities. I look forward to working with staff, artists, and supporters to celebrate the 90th anniversary this summer and to engaging everyone who believes in a bright second century for the Pillow."
 
In her new role, Kanner will be working with the Executive and Artistic Director, the Board, and staff to advance the development goals of the Pillow. Lila will be key in strengthening the organization's major giving and essential in the creation of a new development and stewardship plan for the future. 
 
In addition to her experience including London, Boston and New York, Lila is a Berkshire native, having graduated from Pittsfield High School and attended Pillow performances throughout her life. Lila looks forward to bringing her passion for the arts and dance to Jacob's Pillow.
 
"I'm so thrilled to have such an experienced strategist and exceptional human being join our senior team," said Jacob's Pillow Executive and Artistic Director, Pamela Tatge. "We feel so fortunate that this graduate of Pittsfield High School and camp counselor from Chimney Corners Camp is returning to the Berkshires to assist our beloved Pillow in growing and evolving at this exciting time in our history."

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Triplex Special Screening 'A Book By Their Cover'

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema announces a special screening of local filmmaker John Tedeschi's fictional narrative film "A Book By Their Cover," inspired by local events in Berkshire County, as well as  events around the country including book bans connected with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community. 
 
The film was shot entirely in the Berkshires.
 
The film will screen on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 pm and will be followed by a conversation with the director as well as members of the cast and crew. Tickets are available for purchase at the Triplex website, thetriplex.org.
 
According to a press release:
 
"A Book By Their Cover" tells the story of Samantha, a 12-year-old girl who discovers a book while staying at her grandparents' house. The book, a medical journal written in 1962, piques Samantha's curiosity about sexuality. After discussing it, Samantha's parents give her another book, "The Every Body Book: The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids about Sex, Gender, Bodies, and Families," written in 2020 by Rachel Simon and illustrated by Noah Grigni. "The Every Body Book" is widely considered to be a valuable and groundbreaking resource for parents navigating early conversations with children about puberty, consent, sex and gender.
 
Samantha brings the book with her to school, where the school janitor sees the book, is upset, and confiscates it. The book is turned over by the school administration to the police and an investigation ensues. The film deals with the aftermath of these events, which play out during a town meeting where opinions about the book and the police investigation that followed are played out.
 
A similar situation occurred last year at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School over the well-known book "Gender Queer," an incident which serves as inspiration for the film. In a statement provided to the "Berkshire Edge" Tedeschi said, "the film is not a true story, it is not a film that uses the words ‘based on true and actual events,' and the characters are not intended to appear as any actual person. The film was inspired by many things, it is a mirror, as you say, of events but it is not the actual likeness."
 
 
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