“The arts are a critical component of the economy, and character, of the Berkshires” – Congressman John Olver
Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District) announced today that the fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations bill approved by Congress includes a little over $1.5 million in federal assistance for various projects in Berkshire County.
Projects slated to receive funding include:
$300,000 for Shakespeare and Company’s Educational Programming to Assist At-Risk Students
Shakespeare & Company has developed one of the most extensive theatre-in-education programs in the northeast, offering year-round innovative performances and workshops in and after school. This federal support will enable Shakespeare and Company to sustain and expand its full range of education programming, strengthening ties with the school and local communities and extending the reach of its highly successful education and professional development philosophy and methodology.
$285,000 for Berkshire Museum Renovations & Enhancements
This funding will be used to update, renovate, and enhance the Berkshire Museum’s 104-year old facility. This will enable the Berkshire Museum to protect and preserve its arts and artifacts valued at $200 million, better serve its visitors with upgraded and accessible amenities, and world-class exhibitions to drive visitations and increase tourism to downtown Pittsfield and Berkshire County. It will also enable the Museum to enhance its educational programming and outreach using new and exciting exhibitions that it will host or create from its own collection.
$216,160 for Berkshire Enterprise’s Entrepreneurial Training Program for Displaced Workers
Berkshire Enterprise will use these funds to provide entrepreneurial training to dislocated workers so they can start their own businesses and create jobs for themselves and others. The training involves 10 weeks of intensive classes teaching business skills, followed by 10 weeks of implementation meetings.
“In these difficult economic times, we have got to get creative. When jobs do not exist out there, we have got to create them. Berkshire Enterprise’s program does just that,” Congressman John Olver said. “It is an impressive program with an impressive success rate – over 85 percent of business started by Berkshire Enterprise graduates are still in business after five years.”
Click here to read the full iberkshires article and see all projects slated to receive funding!
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