In the News

LENOX -- Despite recent threats to federal arts funding, Western Massachusetts cultural organizations will receive nearly $350,000 in National Endowment for the Arts grants to support theater, dance and other projects throughout the Berkshires and Springfield, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, announced Thursday.

The congressman, who joined Mass Cultural Council representatives, local legislators and cultural non-profit leaders in celebrating the NEA grants at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, said the $348,000 in funding -- which Congress approved in a recent spending bill -- will support a total of nine projects at various arts organizations.

Neal noted that the funding comes in addition to the $900,700 the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the nearly $1.1 million the New England Foundation for the Arts were awarded to support arts programs, services and activities associated with carrying out their NEA-approved strategic plans. 

Stressing the importance of arts and cultural programs, the Springfield Democrat said federal lawmakers worked to increase NEA funding in the omnibus spending bill, even though such spending had been on the "proposed chopping block" just months ago.

Neal congratulated local organizations that received the grant funding, offering that their work has helped boost Berkshire County's reputation as being a center for culture and arts.

"This is a terrific day for all of you in the Berkshires. You've helped establish a reputation, which I think is unparalleled in a small community across America. You've done it right here, and it's not only because of the advocacy, it's because of the quality of work that you do," he said.

Anita Walker, executive director of the Mass Cultural Council, thanked Neal, State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, and others for their efforts to advocate and secure funding for the arts. 

"We have had such a strong partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts," she said. "Even in spite of the fact that for the last two years it has faced extinction, Congress has rallied and, in fact, we've even gotten a little bit of an increase this year for the National Endowment. That is only because of the vigorous champions that we have."

According to the congressman's office, the grants include: $20,000 to support Shakespeare and Company's Fall Festival of Shakespeare program; $35,000 for the North Adams Public Schools District's Kidspace contemporary art gallery and art-making studio; and $10,000 to Pittsfield-based Barrington Stage Company Inc. to support the development and world premiere of "The Royal Family of Broadway."

Other organization to receive NEA grants were: Becket-based Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Inc., which was awarded $78,000 to support a training program for medical professionals who will examine how the arts can be used to address challenges in the medical field, and $50,000 to support its free online platform; the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which will get $50,000 for its Festival of Contemporary Music at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox; and Great Barrington's Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Inc., which was awarded $10,000 to support a performance project.

The City of Pittsfield, meanwhile, will receive $75,000 to support the design of landscape and architectural elements for a waterfront park that will allow safe public access to the Housatonic River; and the Community Music School of Springfield, Inc., will get $20,000 to support Sonido Musica, a music education program in partnership with Springfield Public Schools, officials added.