Berkshire Organizations Receive Mass Cultural Council Awards
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Several Berkshire County organizations have been awarded Mass Cultural Council Awards as part of the Gaming Mitigation Fund Grant Program.
"Supporting our performing arts centers is a strategic investment in the vitality of our communities," said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "These organizations serve as hubs of creativity, offering transformative experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages. By supporting these institutions, we not only preserve our cultural heritage but also foster innovation, economic growth, and social cohesion, ensuring a vibrant and enriching future for generations to come."
In Berkshire County, the following organizations were among the recipients:
- Barrington Stage Company: $6,000
- Berkshire Theatre Group: $14,700
- The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center: $73,000
- Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA): $166,400
- Williamstown Theatre Festival: $6,000
This program provides grants to Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers to spend on touring shows or touring artist fees. These grants aim to target funding to those most directly impacted by the operation of resort-style casinos.
First established by the Legislature in the Expanded Gaming Act of 2011, Mass Cultural Council receives 2 percent of gaming revenues to administer this program. The Gaming Mitigation Fund is intended to mitigate a direct threat to the sustainability of Massachusetts' nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers. It provides funding to preserve their ability to compete with casinos, who are working with larger budgets and able to offer attractive amenities, when booking touring acts.
In this round, 58 performing arts centers across Massachusetts received grants ranging from $6,000 to $200,000. Notably, all eligible applicants were successful in securing funding.
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