For-Profit Archive

SPARK! @ THE CLARK

Published: March 8, 2010Posted in: BERKSHIRE CREATIVE, EVENTS, FEATURES 1, FEATURES 2, LOCAL NEWS, NEWS BULLETINTags: , , , , , , , ,
SPARK! @ THE CLARK

Bad weather could not stop our Berkshire Creatives’ SPARK!

After a brief postponement due to a late winter snow storm, Berkshire Creatives from across the county  came together to SPARK! @ The Clark!

Click here to visit our Facebook page and see more pictures! See someone you know or yourself in our facebook pictures? Don’t forget to tag, tag, tag!

SPARK! Attendees, We want your feedback!

Please take a minute to fill out this short survey about the event. Tell us what you liked, what we could do better, and most importantly let us know if you made any connections. Thank you for helping us serve the Berkshire Creative Community better!

See you at the next SPARK!

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SPECIAL THANKS TO:

SPARK! Lead Sponsor:

Greylock Federal Credit Union

SPARK! Host:

The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

SPARK! Featured Businesses:

DEVRIES FINE ART INTERNATIONAL, INC.

BERKSHIRECOUPON.COM

THE BERKSHIRE REVIEW FOR THE ARTS

BRILLIANT GRAPHICS GROUP

SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY

TAYLOR’S AND FREIGHT YARD PUB

Would you like to be a featured business at a future SPARK!? Please email info@berkshirecreative.org or call 413.822.8324.

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

SPARK! @ THE CLARK RESCHEDULED!! THURS. MARCH 4, 2010!!

Published: February 25, 2010Posted in: BERKSHIRE CREATIVE, EVENTS, FEATURES 1, UPDATESTags: , , , , , , , , ,
SPARK! @ THE CLARK RESCHEDULED!! THURS. MARCH 4, 2010!!

DON’T LET THAT SNOW STOP YOUR SPARK!

JOIN YOUR CREATIVE ECONOMY COLLEAGUES AT SPARK @ THE CLARK!

NETWORKING EVENT FOR BERKSHIRE CREATIVES!

Come and meet your creative economy colleagues! If words like art, culture, design, innovation, and technology are part of your vocabulary chances are you are part of the region’s growing creative economy. Whether you work in industry or the arts, Berkshire Creative invites you to come out to mix and mingle at our signature event!

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The Clark

Thursday, March 4, 2010

5:30 PM-7:00 PM

Click here for a map!

For more information please contact info@berkshirecreative.org or call 413.822.8324.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP!

Would you like to become more involved in the creative community? Volunteer for SPARK! contact info@berkshirecreative.org or call 413.822.8324.

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ABOUT THE CLARK

In 1950 Sterling and Francine Clark chartered the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute as a home for their extensive art collection. Opened to public in 1955, the Institute has built upon this extraordinary group of works to become one of the most beloved and respected art museums in the world, known for its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment.

One of the few institutions in the United States that combines a public art museum with a complement of research and academic programs, including a major art history library, the Clark is now a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history. Building upon the founders’ legacy, the Institute has recently unveiled its master plan for the twenty-first century, which fosters the Clark’s commitment to providing space for its expanding research and museum programs while maintaining the unique character of its beautiful rural setting.

Click here to visit their website and learn more!

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“Our Creative Berkshires”

As usual, all attendees are invited to bring business cards and brochures to leave on a table showcasing “Our Creative Berkshires.”

Let’s talk across industry, talk across sector, talk across town!

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A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LEAD SPARK! SPONSOR

GREYLOCK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION


If you live or work in the Berkshires, you are cordially invited to join Greylock Federal Credit Union.

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SNEAK PEEK OF SPARK! FEATURED BUSINESSES

Check out the Berkshire Creative Economy businesses that will be featured at the upcoming Wednesday, February 24th SPARK! at The Clark

DEVRIES FINE ART INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The Gallery features the figurative bronze sculpture of Andrew DeVries cast by the artist at his studio foundry in Middlefield, Massachusetts in limited editions along with original pastel drawings. Andrew is celebrating his 30th year as a professional sculptor. His works are in private and public collections in 16 countries. The gallery is located in the charming historic district of Lenox.

BERKSHIRECOUPON.COM

Love the Berkshires and love to save? Then you’ll love BerkshireCoupon.com! BerkshireCoupon.com is an online coupon website filled with great coupons to businesses in the Berkshires including restaurants, theaters, shopping, hotels and more! Just go to www.berkshirecoupon.com, Click on the category you’re interested in, Print the coupons you want, and Save right away! It’s quick, convenient, and free. Plus, BerkshireCoupon.com always has great giveaways every month.

Love advertising your business but hate the cost? BerkshireCoupon.com has affordable, effective advertising. Call Dawn Carberry at 413-441-6274 or email save@berkshirecoupon.com.

THE BERKSHIRE REVIEW FOR THE ARTS

The Berkshire Review for the Arts is an online arts magazine based in Williamstown. Launched in 2007 with the mission of providing in-depth, expert articles, reviews, and interviews about classical music, opera, theater, art, photography, dance, books, travel, food and drink, the Review now averages over 100,000 pageviews and 20,000 visits per month, with over 15,000 visitors concentrated in New York, New England, the West Coast, and Europe. In addition to the summer festivals and exhibitions in the Berkshires, we regularly cover events in New York, Boston, Edinburgh, London, and Rome, with occasional reports from wherever one of our more than 25 regular contributors may be. David Porter, President Emeritus, Skidmore College, has said, “The Review is a major cultural resource–and one distinguished by its quality of writing; I’d hate not to receive it.”

BRILLIANT GRAPHICS GROUP

Brilliant Graphics Group is a unique large format solutions provider offering 3D scanning, direct to media printing, photo imaging and digital die cutting. From 1 print to thousands, with the capabilities to produce; trade show display & graphics, backlit images, retail displays, window graphics, banners, box prototypes and Giclée prints.

SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY

Heating up the Berkshires this winter with the wickedly entertaining Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons)—playing the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre through March 21—Shakespeare & Company is in the planning stages for its 33rd hit season in Lenox, with shows including The Winter’s Tale and Richard III (featuring award-winning actor John Douglas Thompson in the title role). Shakespeare & Company is also home to an award-winning Education Program that is deeply rooted in the Berkshire County community, and is internationally renowned for its Center for Actor Training which attracts students, teachers and artists from over 20 countries who participate in its programs year round.

Learn more at Shakespeare.org

TAYLOR’S AND FREIGHT YARD PUB

Sean Taylor and Colleen Taylor Reinhard have owned and operated the Freight Yard Pub in North Adams, Massachusetts for 15 years. In the summer of 2007, they opened Taylor’s in downtown North Adams near MASS MoCA. Taylor’s has quickly become the upscale steak and seafood house of the Northern Berkshires. Both FYP and Taylor’s have strong local support. The owners pride themselves on serving quality food in an elegant atmosphere. The atmosphere at Taylor’s is upscale, yet casual featuring tempting dishes presented by a knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Would you like to be a featured business at a future SPARK!? Please email info@berkshirecreative.org or call 413.822.8324.

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

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NASAA Creative Economy Resource Center

Published: February 18, 2010Posted in: FEATURES 1, FOR PROFIT RESOURCES, NON PROFIT RESOURCES, RESOURCESTags: , , , , , ,
NASAA Creative Economy Resource Center

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is the membership organization that unites, represents and serves the nation’s state and jurisdictional arts agencies. Each of the 56 states and jurisdictions has created an agency to support excellence in and access to the arts. As  part of NASAA’s efforts, they have compiled the following Creative Economy facts  and f igures

  • In fiscal year 2009, state arts agencies invested $328 million in creating and sustaining arts infrastructures in communities across the nation.
    Source: National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Legislative Appropriations Fact Sheet Fiscal Year 2010
  • America’s nonprofit arts industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in $29.6 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenues.
    Source: Americans for the Arts, Arts & Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences, 2007.
  • The creative sector, whose economic function is to create new ideas or creative content, employs 38 million Americans, or 30 percent of all employed people.
    Source: Richard Florida, The Rise of the Creative Class, 2002.
  • In 2005, 1.99 million identified an artist occupation as their primary job, while another 300,000 reported secondary employment as an artist.
    Source: National Endowment for the Arts, Artists in the Workforce, 2008
  • In 2008, 612,095 U.S. businesses participated in the production or distribution of art and employed nearly 3 million people.
    Source: Americans for the Arts, Creative Industries Report, 2008.
  • Americans donated more than $307.65 billion to the arts in 2008 through individual giving, estates, foundations and corporations.
    Source: Giving USA Foundation, Giving USA, 2009 Press Release.
  • In 2008, 70.3% of all American leisure travelers participated in at least one aspect of cultural heritage tourism in the past year. This figure outpaces the number of Americans who visited friends or relatives (64.7%) and roughly equals the proportion (73.0%) of travelers staying in a paid lodging. Source: Destination Analysts,  Fall 2008 edition of Cultural Heritage Tourism News and State of the American Traveler, 2009
  • American consumers spent $12.8 billion ($42.8 per person) on admissions to performing arts events in 2005.
    Source: National Endowment for the Arts, Consumer Spending on Performing Arts, 2006
  • More people are attending live performing arts events than professional sporting events in 10 major communities across the United States.
    Source: Performing Arts Research Coalition, The Value of the Performing Arts in Ten Communities, 2004.
  • Copyright Industries (businesses that rely on copyrights and produce computer software, films, television programs, and other audio, visual and printed media) accounted for 11% of U.S. gross domestic product ($1.38 trillion).
    Source: International Intellectual Property Alliance, Copyright Industries in the US Economy, 2006.
  • In 2006, nonprofits—including public charities, private foundations, and all other—accounted for 8.1 percent of the wages and salaries paid in the United States.
    Source: The Urban Institute, The Nonprofit Sector in Brief, 2008.

For additional information, visit the Creative Economy Resource Center or contact Jesse Rye at NASAA.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Published: February 12, 2010Posted in: FEATURES 1, HAPPENINGS + EVENTS, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , ,
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Berkshire Visitors Bureau Upcoming Tourism Talkbacks

February 24, 2010
Tourism Talkback, Public Relations
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

March 17, 2010
Tourism Talkback, Groups
Comfort Inn & Suites, Great Barrington, MA
Free and open to the public!

NEXT: A Celebration of Massachusetts Emerging Entrepreneurs

Thursday, February 25, 2010, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
University of Massachusetts Boston Venture Development Center
100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125

Berkshire Community College Professional Development Non-Credit Courses

Financial Management Skills
Learn to understand the procedures and processes needed to accommodate and meet the growing demands of federal/state regulations. Explore the easy use of available computer accounting programs that accommodate nonprofit practices, as well as successful means for relating donor information to the accounting system.

4 Meetings, Weds., 2/24-3/24, 6:30-8:30pm (no class 3/17)
Location: Melville Hall, Room 116, $80
Instructor: Gene Wenner, Non-Profit Consultant

Strong Boards Make Non-Profits Work
Designed for board members and executive staff. Topics include the structure, purposes and duties of the board of directors/trustees, fundraising roles, fiscal oversight, strategic planning, hiring and dismissal of the chief executive and the role of volunteers and advisory boards.

2 Meetings, Mon. & Thurs., 3/8 &3/11, 9-11am
Location: Intermodal Education Center, Room 3, $75
Instructor: Gene Wenner, Non-Profit Consultant

Programming and Marketing Skills
Explore a strategic planning process to develop, implement and evaluate programs that meet a nonprofit organization’s mission. Learn to develop materials for marketing to specific audiences for fundraising or program purposes. Study public relations procedures and the means of communicating with the general public.

4 Meetings, Weds., 3/31-4/21, 6:30-8:30pm (no class 3/17)
Location: Melville Hall, Room 116, $80
Instructor: Gene Wenner, Non-Profit Consultant

Issues In  Management Careers
Explores the requirements for professional positions in non-profit management, resume and application guidelines, and the importance of understanding leadership responsibilities and team building.

5 Meetings, Mon., 5/24 -  Weds. 5/26 and Tues., 6/1 and Weds. 6/2, 2010
Location: TBD
Instructor: Gene Wenner, Non-Profit Consultant

To register, contact the Office of LifeLong Learning/Workforce Development  at 413-499-4660 or 800-816-1233 ext. 2123 or 2122. Registration open until Feb. 19th

Bi-annual Taste of Philanthropy Conference

Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA
Click here  to register for the conference!

The Taste of Philanthropy 2010 conference is expected to bring together over 300 nonprofit leaders, consultants and foundations. Morning workshops on all aspects of fundraising –from planned giving/major gifts, to corporate/foundation giving, marketing and stewardship — will be available. In the afternoon, after hearing Sheryl WuDunn’s inspirational talk, we’ll all come together to focus on building our skills for making the all important ASK!

BBB Charity Effectiveness Symposium IV: Transforming ourselves-Building Effective Leaders, Organizations, and Communities

February 23, 2010, 8:00 am – Noon
Baruch College, 55 Lexington Avenue at 24th Street, 14th Floor, NYC
Advance registration is required.
Fee: $25
Click here to learn more and register!
Presented by The Education and Research Foundation of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York

CONNECTING CREATIVE COMMUNITIES: A summit to ignite New England’s creative potential

March 9-11, 2010
Biltmore Hotel, Providence, RI
Registration fee: $60
Click here to learn more and  register!

New England is at the forefront of the creative community building movement. Leaders from across New England will meet in Providence to share strategies for engaging the creative sector and to begin to develop a regional network of creative communities. Participants will discuss a regional approach for collectively promoting our creative communities through policy, research, programming, and resource development.

Come participate in this shared conversation about how cities, towns, and regions are leveraging creative community development to enhance their prosperity and quality of life.

Free Training offered at Berkshire Community College in Partnership with Employers Association of the Northeast

Lean Manufacturing
Half day seminar focusing on the philosophies of the seven wastes, reliable methods and some techniques for combating waste. Includes hands-on classroom simulations that show a factory in transition from batch production to piece flow. The class provides an excellent foundation for companies just starting out and contains specific improvement ideas that attendees can take away and implement immediately.

Date: March 24, 2010
Location: BCC Main Campus, classroom H207 (directions available upon request).
Time: 1:00PM – 4:30PM

Introduction to Quality Management
Full day seminar in Quality Management. This course will provide an introduction and working knowledge of key Quality Management principles, techniques, tools, and skills for on-the-job application, useful in a wide range of business and organizations.

Date: April 2, 2010
Location: BCC, Main Campus, classroom H219 (directions avaialble upon request).
Time: 8:30AM-4:30PM

Statistical Process Control
Full day program focusing on Statistical Process Control.
A study of industrial applications for probability and statistics, with particular attention to process control, quality control, and mathematical methods to improve productivity.

Dates: April 7, 2010
Location: BCC, Main Campus, Classroom TBD
Time: 8:30AM-4:30PM

Problem Solving and Decision Making
Full day seminar focusing on Problem Solving and Decision Making.
This program introduces a six-step problem solving method to identify and define problems that are not reading apparent to promote a proactive approach to solving problems in the workplace.

Date: April 9, 2010
Location: BCC Main Campus, classroom H219 (directions available upon request).
Time: 8:30AM – 4:30 PM

To register, contact: Kathleen Dion at (413) 236-5252 or kdion@berkshirecc.edu or Shannon Miller Pignatelli at (413) 236-2126 or spignate@berkshirecc.edu

Inaugural Artists in Transition Conference

Sunday April 11th, 2010
12:00pm-5:00pm
Westside Campus Center Building, Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT.
Click here to learn more and register!

A conference on health and disability issues for visual and performing artists with featured performers Taro Alexander and Our Time Theatre and featured speaker Tom Luckey. Artists in Transition conference is co-sponsored by  over 100 other local, state and national arts, health and advocacy organizations, including Berkshire Creaitve .

Internship Opportunities-Updated!

Published: February 12, 2010Posted in: FEATURES 1, JOB OPPORTUNITIES, OPPORTUNITIESTags: , , , , , , , , ,
Internship Opportunities-Updated!

The Berkshires are an excellent place to gain experience at a variety of creative economy businesses and organizations. Check out some of these opportunities available now!

Barrington Stage Company Professional Internship Program (PIP)

The Professional Internship Program (PIP) is an intensive summer internship program offered to college age students interested in pursuing careers in theatre. Participants are chosen through a competitive application process to train and gain professional experience in various facets of Professional Equity Theatre. Click here to learn more and apply!

Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP)

Deadline: April 1, 2010

The Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP) is a structured summer internship course that helps to integrate theoretical concepts and real-world experience. An intensive twelve-week program, B-HIP combines an internship component with a seminar in arts management, talk backs with the area’s leading arts professionals, and full participation in cultural events throughout Berkshire County. Interns work in a multitude of administrative capacities including development, marketing, public relations and programming – as they gain hands-on experience in the field of arts management. Click here to learn more and apply!

Berkshire Museum: Collections Internship

The Berkshire Museum has a diverse art, history and natural science collection of approximately 25,000 objects. In its efforts to continually improve and update the management of collections, the Museum involves interns with different aspects of collections work, including inventories, cataloguing objects, data entry, object photography and object research. For Fall/Winter 2010, the museum seeks an intern to research and catalog one of the following collections; Asian, Decorative Arts, Minerals, Shells and/or American History. The museum is also embarking on an archive project. The Berkshire Museum intern program works closely with the individual to create an experience that meets both the needs of the museum and intern. This is an unpaid internship. Interns will report directly to the Collections Manager. Click here to learn more and apply!

Berkshire Theatre Festival Summer Training

Deadline: March 29/April 9, 2010

Berkshire Theatre Festival’s mission is to sustain, promote, and produce theatre through performance and education.  Since 1928 BTF has been dedicated to producing theatre that recognizes its venerable past while providing a home for the next generation of the American theatre’s creative artists.  We offer competitive education and training through our summer Acting Apprenticeships, Directing and Design Assistantships and Production and Administrative Internships that lead students toward a professional working career in the arts. Candidates must be at least 18 and enthusiastic about pursuing a career in the theatre profession. Click here to learn more and apply!

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Deadlines: Summer Priority Deadline has passed. Regular Deadline is March 1, 2010 after March 1, call 413-243-9919 x17 to inquire if openings are available. Off-season deadline: Rolling

Summer Internships are comprised of real-work projects and responsibilities that develop professional skills and careers. Interns receive staff-led seminars, training and mentoring, on-campus housing, 3 meals a day, $500 stipend, and a $150 travel/sundry expense allowance. College credit, work-study, independent study, and/or cooperative learning programs may be available through your school. Or you may register for college credit at Jacob’s Pillow, through their partnership with the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Off-season interns assist in the preparation for Jacob’s Pillow upcoming season. Off-season interns gain a broad perspective on arts administration, the dance field, and dance history while receiving on-the-job training, and experience working alongside professional staff both independently and collaboratively. Onsite housing can be arranged and is shared with other Pillow interns, as well as with artists-in-residence. Full and part-time internships for the fall, winter, and spring can be tailored to meet college credit needs and individual interests. Dates and times are flexible. Click here to learn more and apply!

IS183 Art School of the Berkshires:  Young Artists Program Intern

IS183 is seeking interns with an interest in the visual arts and/or education, combined with interest and enjoyment of children and young teens for their 2010 IS183 Summer Young Artist Program. The program will run from June 28 to August 20, 2010, and candidates may apply for a 2- to 8-week internship commitment. Hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday.

Candidates should be pursuing art as a major or supplementary course of study, and able to demonstrate some experience working with children. Interns receive a stipend of $100/week for their work as well as the opportunity to audit one evening or week-end adult class during the summer. In addition, you may be able to receive academic credit from your college or university. IS183 will also provide references for your future employment/academic pursuits upon request, dependent on performance. Click here to learn more and apply!

MASS MoCA Internship Program

Deadline: March 1, 2010

MASS MoCA seeks full-time interns for various departments. Spend summer in the culturally rich, naturally beautiful Berkshires, while gaining invaluable professional experience in the arts. Paid interns are given $100/wk stipend and free housing with a block of the complex. Each applicant may apply to a maximum of 2 departments (Visual Arts, Production, Marketing/Public Relations, Public Education, Graphic Design, Box Office and Development). All internships run from June 2 through September 6.Click here to learn more and apply!

Shakespeare & Company Internships in Carpentry, Props, Paint, Sound, Electrics, Costumes, and Stage Management

Interns sought for an Equity L.O.A. 14 show, 3 stage season at Shakespeare & Company. This opportunity is for individuals early in their career to develop skills and work with theatre professionals. Duties will include show running and/or change-over responsibilities. Season runs from early May through March 2011, although most positions for summer only. Late season and early start contracts may include theatre-in-education support. Housing negotiable. Stipend available.Click here to learn more and apply!

Does your organization or business offer creative economy internship opportunities? Email them to info@berkshirecreative.org!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!



BERKSHIRE CREATIVE KICKS OFF SPARKETTE SERIES @ JAE’S SPICE!!

Published: February 10, 2010Posted in: BERKSHIRE CREATIVE, EVENTS, FEATURES 1, LOCAL NEWS, NEWS BULLETINTags: , , , , , , , ,
BERKSHIRE CREATIVE KICKS OFF SPARKETTE SERIES @ JAE’S SPICE!!

SPARKettes are mini-SPARK! networking event for industry clusters within the creative economy! The inaugural event was held, Tuesday, Febraury 9 for those working in or interested in the Visual Media field.

Everyone from freelance graphic designers and photographers to design studio owners and online magazine publishers gathered Upstairs at Jae’s Spice for scaled down, concentrated networking! To expedite and maximize connections, two break-out sessions were held and each attendee posted their name, business, what they do and what they were looking for at the event (note wall in of papers in below pictures!)!

Overall, it was an outstanding kick-off to what promises to be an amazing series! Next month’s SPARKetteis for those in the Culture and Heritage Field!







Upcoming SPARKettes…..Click here to RSVP!

MARCH//CULTURE AND HERITAGE
MAR. 23rd, 2010
Museums, Theatres, Theatre Companies, Garden Museums, Historic Homes, Libraries, Heritage Preservation

APRIL//VISUAL ARTS
APR. 13th, 2010
 Artists, Artisans, Galleries, Arts Agents, Collectors, Museums, Art Venues, Crafters, Curators

MAY//COMMUNICATIONS
MAY 11th, 2010
Magazines, Newspapers, Radio, Television, Journalists, Bloggers, Publicists, Marketers

Click here to see the full list of upcoming SPARKettes!

SPARKettes are held once a month, February-November 2010, with a different industry cluster addressed each month!

5:30-7:00pm

Upstairs at Jae’s Spice, North Street, Pittsfield, MA

FREE

Hors D’ouevres and venue generously provided by Jae’s Spice!

Cash Bar

All SPARKettes are made possible with the generous support of SPARK! lead sponsor Greylock Federal Credit Union!

Mark Your Calendars for SPARKettes!

Published: February 10, 2010Posted in: BERKSHIRE CREATIVE, EVENTS, FEATURES 1, FEATURES 2, FOR PROFIT RESOURCES, LOCAL NEWS, NEWS BULLETIN, NON PROFIT RESOURCES, RESOURCESTags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Mark Your Calendars for SPARKettes!

SPARKette: (n) mini-SPARK! networking event for industry clusters within the creative economy.

SPARKettes are an opportunity for colleagues in an industry cluster to meet and connect at a scaled down, focused networking event. Whether you are part of one of the clusters, seeking services from them, or are just interested in learning more about a particular group, SPARKettes are here to help you ignite that connection!

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SPARKettes are held once a month, February-November 2010, with a different industry cluster addressed each month!

5:30-7:00pm

Upstairs at Jae’s Spice, North Street, Pittsfield, MA

FREE

Cash Bar

Hors D’ouevres and venue generously provided by Jae’s Spice!

Click here to RSVP to the SPARKettes of your choice!

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MONTH//INDUSTRY

FEBRUARY// VISUAL MEDIA
FEB. 9th, 2010
Publishers, Printers, Writers, Photographers, Graphic Designers, Web Designers, Publicists, Marketers

MARCH//CULTURE AND HERITAGE
MAR. 23rd, 2010
Museums, Theatres, Theatre Companies, Garden Museums, Historic Homes, Libraries, Heritage Preservation

APRIL//VISUAL ARTS
APR. 13th, 2010
 Artists, Artisans, Galleries, Arts Agents, Collectors, Museums, Art Venues, Crafters, Curators

MAY//COMMUNICATIONS
MAY 11th, 2010
Magazines, Newspapers, Radio, Television, Journalists, Bloggers, Publicists, Marketers

JUNE// FILM AND MEDIA ARTS
JUNE 8th, 2010
Film, Animation, New Media, and Supporting Industries

JULY//ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS
JULY 13th, 2010
Small Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Sole Proprietors, Freelance Professionals

AUGUST//YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
AUG. 10th, 2010
Young Professionals working in the creative economy

SEPTEMBER//MUSIC/PERFORMING ARTS
SEPT. 14, 2010
Musicians (beginners, teachers, and professionals), Actors, Theatres, Festivals, Venues, Managers

OCTOBER// EDUCATION
OCT. 12th, 2010
Museum Educators, Public and Private School Teachers, School Administrators

NOVEMBER// HOUSING SUPPORT
NOV. 9th, 2010
Interior Design, Landscape Architects, Architects, Builders, Home Product Designers/Makers, Real Estate Agents

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SPECIAL THANKS TO SPARK! LEAD SPONSOR

GREYLOCK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

If you live or work in the Berkshires, you are cordially invited to join Greylock Federal Credit Union.

AND

SPARKette SPONSOR


Take Your Small Business Global with the SBA

Published: February 9, 2010Posted in: FEATURES 1, FOR PROFIT RESOURCES, RESOURCESTags: , , ,
Take Your Small Business Global with the SBA

The mission of SBA’s Office of International Trade is to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace; facilitate access to capital to support international trade; ensure that the interests of small business are considered and reflected in trade negotiations; and support and contribute to the U.S. Government’s international agenda.

Check out this video which addresses whether your product has potential in an overseas market.

Small businesses can compete with larger companies in the global marketplace, learn what is necessary to tap into new overseas markets!

Click here to learn about resources and funding from the Office of Small Business Administration to help grow your small business!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

Tricks of the Trade is Back!

Published: January 12, 2010Posted in: FEATURES 1, FEATURES 2, HAPPENINGS + EVENTS, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , ,
Tricks of the Trade is Back!

Tricks of the Trade is a professional development seminar series for artists and creatives, held at venues throughout Berkshire County, with one session each month in the North, Central and South sections of the County!

Tricks of the Trade is a program of MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center, and is produced in collaboration with Berkshire Creative, Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development and IS183 Art School, and sponsored by MCLA, Excelsior Printing, and the Appelbaum-Kahn Foundation.

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UPCOMING

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SchmoozingMarch: SCHMOOZING
Making Networking Work For You

Interacting socially with collectors, curators, gallerists, media professionals, and other artists can make a huge difference in an artist’s career – if it’s done right.  Gallery owner Leslie FerrinBess Hochstein will talk about how to gracefully navigate the scene and work the room.  This program will cover techniques that can help you advance your career in social situations, such as preparing the elevator pitch version of your artist’s statement; how to close the conversation (or the deal); the dont’s and do’s of the schmooze; why booze and schmooze don’t mix; and the virtual schmooze – how to capitalize on social media tools like Facebook and Twitter to expand your circle and create a positive impression.

Panelists: Leslie Ferrin (Owner of Ferrin Gallery) and Bess Hochstein (Freelance writer and Cultural Correspondent for Rural Intelligence)

  • Tuesday, March 9th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: MCLA Gallery 51
  • Wednesday, March 10th, 6:30 p.m.: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts
  • Thursday, March 11th, 6:30 p.m.: IS183 Art School

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CreatingApril: CREATING
How can you secure a residency?

The series come full circle. We have priced, branded, written about, showed and schmoozed about our work.  So now it is time to find the time and space to be inspired and create new work.

Local artist and MCLA professor Melanie Mowinski will talk with artists and residency programs to learn how to choose the best one for you.

  • Tuesday, April 13th, 6:30 p.m.: MCLA Gallery 51: TBD
  • Wednesday, April 14th, 6:30 p.m.: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts: C. Ryder Cooley (Artist)
  • Thursday, April 15th, 6:30 p.m.: IS183 Art School: TBD

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PAST

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December: BRANDING
How does one artist stick out in a crowd?… and how does the artist find the crowd to stick out in?

In this age of information and advertisement overload, savvy  companies understand the importance of targeting their market and creating a strong brand. A good brand appeals to all the senses, through all channels and yet continues to deliver the same message.  Artists, too, must meet the challenge of branding and promoting themselves.

Jonathan Secor, MCLA’s Director of Special Programs, will interview some of the Berkshire’s branding gurus to explore the key components of a good brand and the most effective methods of delivering that brand.

  • Tuesday, December 8th, 6:30 p.m.: MCLA Gallery 51: David Carriere (Author of ‘Publicity: 7 Steps to Publicize Just About Anything’) *focus on publicity
  • Monday, December 14th, 6:30 p.m.: Ferrin Gallery: Kevin Sprague (Photographer, Owner of Studio Two) *focus on target market
  • Thursday, December 10th, 6:30 p.m.: IS183 Art School: Mitch and Seth Nash (Co-owners of Blue Q) *focus on branding

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WritingJanuary: WRITING
How does an artist write about their work?

“Revealing what, how and why you do your art does not dismantle either the beauty or mystery of it. Quite the opposite. Your effort to reach out invites others to participate in the mystery and to share the beauty.” – Ariane Goodwin, author of Writing the Artist Statement

“Revealing what, how and why you do your art does not dismantle either the beauty or mystery of it. Quite the opposite. Your effort to reach out invites others to participate in the mystery and to share the beauty.” – Ariane Goodwin, author of Writing the Artist Statement

Facilitated by gallerist Leslie Ferrin,* this workshop will look at a plethora of artist statements to understand what connects us most to the work.  Participants will then use these techniques to write their own statements.

Panelists: Seth Rogovoy (Editor of Berkshire Living) and Meryl Joseph (Artist)

  • Tuesday, January 12th, 6:30 p.m.: MAYA III**
  • Wednesday, January 13th, 6:30 p.m.: Ferrin Gallery
  • Thursday, January 14th, 6:30 p.m.: IS183 Art School

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ShowingFebruary: SHOWING
Which galleries should you approach and how? What other venues are there to show?

Finding galleries that relate to your work is the first step in finding a gallery that will promote and sell your work.  Yet getting into a gallery is not easy.  You must first navigate your way through the unwritten rules of approaching and submitting.  In this workshop we will learn ways to determine which fine venues to approach and how best to go about it.

Facilitated by Jessica Conzo, MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center’s Program Coordinator.

  • Tuesday, February 9th, 6:30 p.m.: MCLA Gallery 51: Cathy Deely (Producer of “Made in the USA in Pete’s Motors”) and Pip Deely (Curator)  *focus on fine art galleries and non-traditional spaces
  • Wednesday, February 10th, 6:30 p.m.: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts: Gail and Phil Sellers (Owners of River Hill Pottery) *focus on fairs, festivals, and trade shows
  • Thursday, February 11th, 6:30 p.m.: IS183 Art School: Andrew Davis (artist and gallerist) *focus on fine art galleries and non-traditional spaces

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All workshops are free, but do require pre-registration.  For more information, and/or to register, please contact MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center Program Coordinator, Jessica Conzo, at 413-663-5253 or Jessica.Conzo@mcla.edu.



Thank you to our sponsors:

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Published: January 10, 2010Posted in: ARCHIVES, FEATURES 1, HAPPENINGS ARCHIVETags: , , , , , , , , ,
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

“Collaborations to Strategic Alliances:  Strategies to Sustain Nonprofits.”

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 2:30 – 5:00 pm

Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, 75 North Street, Suite 360 in Pittsfield, MA

$20 for Berkshire Chamber members; $30 nonmembers

Pre-registration is required. Visit www.berkshirechamber.com to register.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence and the Nonprofit Business Council of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce are partnering to offer a workshop to provide nonprofit leaders with advice and guidance on management issues. On January 20, Barbara Krasne, of KrasnePlows consulting firm, will give a seminar entitled “Collaborations to Strategic Alliances:  Strategies to Sustain Nonprofits.” Workshop topics will include: alliances—what they can and cannot do; organizational diagnostics; considerations for any strategic alliance; and case examples regarding how to proceed. In the event of inclement weather, a snow date is scheduled for Thursday, January 21, 2010 2:30 – 5:00 pm  Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Get Found in Social Media”

Wednesday, January 27, 9 am to 12:00 pm

Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, 75 North Street, Suite 360 in Pittsfield, MA

Registration fee: $25. Register online at www.clickbasics.com/workshop, email paulc@clickbasics.com, or call 413-637-2459

ClickBasics, an internet marketing and web analytics company, will present the workshop, “Get Found in Social Media.” Geared for a non-technical business audience, the workshop will be presented by Paul Carter, founder of ClickBasics Internet Marketing, Lenox, MA. Participants will learn basic concepts and receive practical guidance helping business owners and internet marketers tie social media to the bottom line. Seating is limited.

Bi-annual Taste of Philanthropy Conference

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA

Click here  to register for the conference!

The Taste of Philanthropy 2010 conference is expected to bring together over 300 nonprofit leaders, consultants and foundations. Morning workshops on all aspects of fundraising –from planned giving/major gifts, to corporate/foundation giving, marketing and stewardship — will be available. In the afternoon, after hearing Sheryl WuDunn’s inspirational talk, we’ll all come together to focus on building our skills for making the all important ASK!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!


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