When the idea of a cultural council was first floated early this year, town officials emphasized that applying for the designation will cost the town nothing and that anyone whose property is included in a cultural district will face no additional limitations on the use of that property.
Town officials say the initiative is consistent with Great Barrington's economic development priorities, which place a strong emphasis on strengthening and marketing the diverse set of cultural destinations in the heart of town.
Berkshire County's legislative delegation testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation in favor of a bill that would authorize the study of high-speed rail access between Boston and Springfield.
The Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously to restore nearly $2 million in funding for the arts, humanities, and sciences through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
The Berkshire Flyer, seasonal weekend passenger rail service between New York and Pittsfield, would have free wifi, accessible stations with parking, a café car and a bicycle storage car.
Berkshire Grown is partnering with state Sen. Adam G. Hinds co-chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development to highlight the Berkshires’ thriving farm-to-table movement at the supper.
“This informational hearing was an opportunity to listen to and learn from key stakeholders in the tourism and arts community on how we as a state invest in the cultural underpinnings of our economy,” --Sen. Adam Hinds
According to 1Berkshire, spending in Berkshire County by visitors has increased by more than 25 percent in five years, equaling more than $453 million.
