Pittsfield Cultural Council Seeks to Make Public Art GuideBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
12:47PM / Sunday, January 22, 2023 | |
 The Pittsfield Cultural Council on Wednesday voted to create a guide to the city's public art. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Cultural Council is looking to create a guide to the city's public art for locals and tourists alike.
On Wednesday, the panel voted in favor of the project after it was suggested by member Abigail Allard. They agreed that this would be a great resource if it is feasible.
"I think especially for people in Pittsfield that are here and just used to it don't realize how much public art is actually around them and visible," Allard said, citing the various murals, sculptures, and painted electrical boxes that can be enjoyed on the city streets.
Based on conversations that she has had with the city's director of cultural development and the director of Downtown Pittsfield Inc., she believes that all of the information is available — just not in one place.
This is the first project that the committee has conducted in some time and it has a budget of $9,700. The amount represents 20 percent of the council's fiscal year 2023 allocation of $48,500.
To create the map and guide of public art in Pittsfield, the panel will need to hire a graphic designer and a printer.
Director of Cultural Development Jen Glockner and Director of DPI Rebecca Brien will be consulted for information on the public artworks.
Council member Kas Maroney advocated for keeping the featured works free so that they are accessible to all of the community. The council discussed highlighting art at the Berkshire Athenaeum as well.
With this project, the hope is also to educate the community about what the cultural council does and how it funds various community projects, programs, and events.
The city has gained a number of public art installations over the last few years including a mural titled "The Sun Will Rise" on North Street, a Ruby Bridges inspired "Walk With Her" mural below Division Street, a mural titled "Black Abundance" across from Persip Park, and a work in the west side titled "I Wish… For a Greener Future."
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