Town officials say the new cultural district will engage in marketing and communication efforts such as cultural district signage and brochures. District officials will also develop a shared calendar of events and promote downtown activities and businesses.
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.
The newly renovated Saint James Place, the cultural center situated at the southern entrance to Main Street, is proud to bring the Curtis Institute of Music to the Berkshires.
Saint James Place is providing the space to the People’s Pantry at no cost. The pantry is staffed by seven teams of volunteers — four church teams, two synagogue teams, and one community team — that take turns working every Thursday.
I like what this company of theatre professionals is doing even if I don't agree with every choice. I think it a very worthwhile effort and should be seen by everyone in the region who believes in live theater.
Sally Harris is serving for the third time on the Salvation Army National Advisory Board. When asked what motivates her, she replies, “Hanging around people with the most positive outlooks despite their struggles is a real joy.”
It was a messy night at Town Hall. In the end, Benchmark Development got a green light to proceed with its plans to design a second building planned for a parcel on the historic Searles Castle property.
Saved from the wrecking ball in 2010 by former St. James Episcopal Church parishioners Sally Harris and her husband, Fred, Saint James Place will serve as creative hub, permanent home, and year-round performance venue for small and mid-sized cultural organizations in Great Barrington and southern Berkshire County.
What started as a heartfelt attempt to save the structure from possible destruction has morphed into a major cultural and civic center that will have activities seven days a week, all year long.
Saint James Place, adjacent to the Great Barrington Town Hall and a scant block from the Mahaiwe Theater, stands to transform this southernmost section of downtown into a mini arts district.
We are grateful that the [CPA] funds will help pay for the new slate roof for the church and parish hall as we move ahead to repair, renovate and transform the big beautiful buildings on the corner of Main Street and St. James Place/ Taconic Avenue.
Post-intermission fare on New Year's Eve consists of two Bach classics in special Berkshire Bach versions: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 (what would New Year's be without a Brandenburg?) with its spectacular solos for violin, horns, oboes, bassoon, and percussion, and the brilliant Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D with its three-trumpet-and timpani power and its famous Air for strings.
