Saturday, May 17, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: MASS MoCA residency application open; Jeff Zinn at Great Barrington Public Theater; Volunteer at WAM; Volunteer at Ventfort Hall; Volunteer at O.U.R. Community Center; Join the Great Barrington Cultural Council

The Studios is MASS MoCA’s artist and writers residency program situated within the museum’s factory campus.

MASS MoCA 2025 artist residency applications open

North Adams— The Studios is MASS MoCA’s artist and writers residency program situated within the museum’s factory campus. Operated by MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists department, the residency runs year-round and hosts up to 10 artists at a time. The early and alumni studios applications for 2025 are open now though March 8th. 

January 2023 Artists-in-Residence Kelley-Ann Lindo, Corinne Yonce, Alida Rodrigues, and Stephen Proski.

The early application is designed for artists who have the capacity, either through outside grants or personal funds, to fully fund their stay and could benefit from some additional lead time to plan and to submit funding applications. The alumni application is a special, simplified application for alumni of The Studios, who may apply to return at a discounted rate. The next general application for Studios residencies with full fellowship support and financial aid will open April 8th.

At the Studios at MASS MoCA, selected artists receive private studio space, housing, meals, and much more. The application and more information can be found online. 

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Great Barrington Public Theater kicks off new ‘Conversations With’ series with Jeff Zinn

Great Barrington— On Monday, January 29th at 6 p.m., Great Barrington Public Theater kicks off ‘Conversations With,’ a new free series of live, public interviews with industry influencers and standouts.

Jeff Zinn. Photo by Susan Carolyn Wilson.

Their first guest is the accomplished director, writer, actor, producer and founder of Wellfleet Harbor Actor’s Theater Jeff Zinn. Zinn has enjoyed a remarkable history on stage and screen, from his beginnings as a singer-songwriter in the Boston club scene, to roles in on- and off-Broadway productions, including “To Be Young Gifted and Black” by Lorraine Hansberry and “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” by David Mamet at the Cherry Lane Theater. As his onstage career unfolded, Zinn gravitated to writing, directing and producing, became Founder and Director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT) and Managing Director at the Gloucester Stage Company. He has produced over 200 productions of new plays, many of which he also directed. 

The next guest in the series is Neil Pepe, Artistic Director of the Atlantic Theater Company, on Monday, February 26th.

The free conversation is on Monday, January 29th at 6 p.m. at St. James Place on Main Street in Great Barrington. The event is free with a $10 suggested donation. Reservations can be made by emailing Tristan.GreatBarringtonPublic@gmail.com.

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Volunteer opportunities at WAM

Lenox— By sharing your time, passion, and expertise, you can make a difference! Become a WAM volunteer or committee member and help uplift WAM’s arts activist mission.

As a small non-profit, an active volunteer group is vital to WAM’s success. Volunteer and Board Sub-Committees are looking for volunteers with interests and skill in communication, hospitality, special events, finance, fundraising, non-profit law, accountability and accessibility practices, human resources, and much more. Whatever your skills, interests, and availability, there’s a place for you on the WAM Team.

WAM Volunteers Freda Grim and Kimberly Ciola with WAM Team member Molly Merrihew. Photo by Nick Webb.

Opportunities include hanging posters, passing out postcards, writing thank you notes, passing out programs, scanning tickets, ushering, transporting artists, cooking, tabling, event planning, and more.

Sign up today and become a valued and integral part of the WAMily! Contact Director of Community Engagement Maizy Scarpa at maizy@wamtheatre.com to get involved. More information can be found online. 

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Volunteer opportunities at Ventfort Hall

Lenox—  Ventfort Hall could not function without a dedicated team of volunteers. Volunteers are needed both seasonally and year-round. They have volunteer opportunities to suit everyone’s interests.

Volunteer at Ventfort Hall.

Opportunities include assisting with tea service, monitoring exhibits, household chores, ground maintenance, and more. 

Volunteers receive free admission to lectures and receive 10% off in the gift shop. To sign up and for more information, email Haley@gildedage.org or call 413-637-3206.

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Volunteer opportunities at O.U.R. Community Center

Pittsfield— Starting February 1st, O.U.R. Community Center will be officially moved from Melville Street to their community owned building, O.U.R. Resurge on Fenn Street.

In the new space, the community center will be increasing its winter warm-up hours and they are looking for volunteers. A volunteer training session will be held on Sunday, January 28th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at O.U.R. Resurge on 119 Fenn Street. Dinner will be served by members of La Cocineras Latinas. All are welcome.

To sign up and to learn more, contact the community center by emailing michael@rootsandmustardseeds.com.

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Join the Great Barrington Cultural Council

Great Barrington— Are you passionate about arts, culture, and community enrichment? The Great Barrington Cultural Council is looking for creative and enthusiastic individuals like you! 

As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the cultural landscape of the town, support and promote local artists and cultural events, engage with diverse communities, and bring people together through the power of art

The Great Barrington Cultural Council believes that every voice matters in shaping a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re an artist, a patron of the arts, or simply someone who loves what culture brings to our community, your perspective is invaluable.

To sign up and to learn more, contact the Council by emailing InDeArts@aol.com. 

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