$1.24M to support cultural sector of Franklin, Hampshire counties
CUMMINGTON — The Massachusetts Cultural Council recently celebrated a nearly $1.24 million state investment in the cultural sector of Franklin and Hampshire counties, to date, in fiscal year 2026.
Of the $1.24 million, 54 organizations received a total of $252,500 to support activities that incorporate the arts, humanities and/or interpretive sciences; 38 organizations received a combined $465,100 in unrestricted operating support; five organizations received $132,750 to integrate out-of-school arts, humanities and science opportunities into a collaborative community response to the needs of youth; and 44 local cultural councils received $386,900 to redistribute locally to support arts and culture projects.
“Across Franklin and Hampshire counties, artists and cultural organizations are vital to community life — they celebrate local stories, spark creativity, and bring people together across generations and backgrounds,” Michael Bobbitt, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, said in a statement. “Through these investments, we’re sustaining the region’s creative spirit while strengthening its economy, workforce and shared sense of belonging.”
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving and inspiring creativity across Massachusetts.
“Support for our arts and culture community is a key to the growth and success of our rural communities in western Massachusetts and, now more than ever, that burden is falling on our partners in local and state government,” state Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, said in a statement. “I am grateful to Mass Cultural Council for their support of the entire commonwealth, including Franklin and Hampshire counties.”
“The Conway Cultural Council applauds Mass Cultural Council for its continued nurturing and support for the flourishing cultural communities in the western Massachusetts hilltowns,” Joan Gravel, a member of the Conway Cultural Council, said in a statement. “The natural beauty of our landscape is greatly enhanced by the talents of the artists, educators and musicians who choose to call Franklin County their home.”
Rep. Blais announces November office hours
State Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, will host her regular in-person office hours for 1st Franklin District constituents on Monday, Nov. 10, at Buckland Town Hall, 17 State St. in Shelburne Falls, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and at the John Zon Community Center, 35 Pleasant St. in Greenfield, from noon to 2 p.m.
This month, there will also be an additional office hours event at Elmer’s Wicked Good Cafe, 396 Main St. in Ashfield, on Friday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 to 10 a.m.
Office hours serve as a time for constituents to speak directly with Blais and her staff regarding issues that matter to them or problems they are facing with state agencies or departments. Blais’ office regularly assists with the following: unemployment benefits, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth coverage, social service referrals, elder services, veterans affairs, public housing and vouchers, utilities and more.
Additionally, virtual office hours are available every Friday at 8 a.m. Email kelly.oreilly@mahouse.gov or call 413-362-9453 to receive the Zoom link.
If these times do not work, residents of the 1st Franklin District can reach out to kelly.oreilly@mahouse.gov to arrange for a more convenient time.