County-Wide Event Features Call for Artists in All Disciplines
Berkshire County, Mass. – ArtWeek Berkshires, a county-wide collaboration, will take place May 15-25, and you can be a part of it. The ArtWeek call for artists is open with a deadline of May 1. The non-juried event is free to all individuals, organizations, and businesses in the Berkshires interested in showcasing creative work. ArtWeek Berkshires features more than 100 events each year. Submissions from actors, cartoonists, crafters, dancers, designers, filmmakers, illustrators, mimes, multimedia artists, musicians, performance artists, poets, puppeteers, theater artists, visual artists, writers – and more – are encouraged. The event will feature open studios, gallery talks, theater, performances, workshops, and more interactive experiences.
Some of the already registered events for 2026 include:
Into Light Project. Real People. Real Stories. in North Adams
Plein Air Paint Out with the Guild of Berkshires Artists at Balderdash Cellars
Unboundaried Voice: From Laughter to Lament at Shakespeare & Co.
Penelope’s Paper Petals at Dare Bottleshop
Community Craft Supply Swap at the Milne Public Library
The county-wide collaboration spotlights Berkshire County’s five state-designated Cultural Districts – the Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District, Lenox Cultural District, North Adams Cultural District, Upstreet Cultural District in Pittsfield, and Williamstown Cultural District. Funds pooled by the five cultural districts, through grants from the Mass Cultural Council, make this event possible and support marketing and promotion to shine a spotlight on participants. Media Sponsors include: WAMC Northeast Public Radio, LAMAR Advertising Company and Berkshire Magazine.
If you are an artist, arts organization, or business that would like to participate in ArtWeek Berkshires 2026, you may sign up online: ArtWeek Berkshires May 15-25, 2026.
About ArtWeek Berkshires
ArtWeek Berkshires is an annual celebration of local creativity. Enjoy 100+ hands-on or behind-the-scenes events and open studios across the region, from gallery shows to live performances, poetry readings to painting demos, and so much more. ArtWeek is presented by the five Cultural Districts of Berkshire County in partnership with 1Berkshire and BRPC.
Go to https://berkshires.org/artweek-berkshires/ for more information or reach out to your closest Cultural District. You can contact them at:
- Great Barrington – culturalgb@gmail.com
- Lenox – lenoxcultural@gmail.com
- North Adams – tourism@northadams-ma.com
- Pittsfield – cultural.development@pittsfieldma.gov
- Williamstown – info@williamstownchamber.com
About Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District (www.gbculturaldistrict.org)
The Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District is home to a dynamic, concentrated group of locally owned and operated businesses with something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking world-class performing arts, a farm-to-table meal, free family activities, or a uniquely curated shopping experience, Great Barrington has what you’re looking for.
About Lenox Cultural District (www.lenox.org/lenox-cultural-district/)
The Lenox Cultural District was established in 2019, in recognition of our unique blend of small-town charm with world-class culture and arts. Downtown Lenox has a high concentration of galleries, all within walking distance of each other. A full cultural experience in Lenox includes sampling our rich selection of restaurants and shops.
About North Adams Cultural District (www.explorenorthadams.com/item/north-adams-downtown-cultural-district/)
The North Adams Cultural District (NACD) is a center of cultural, artistic, and economic activity nestled in the heart of downtown. Its goals are to advance tourism, historic preservation, and business and job development by amplifying the thriving creative community that is uniquely North Adams.
About Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District
Downtown Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District is the lively arts and entertainment hub of the Berkshires. Enjoy art, theatre, dining, music, film, shopping, spoken word and more within a mile section of the heart of the Berkshires. Go to lovepittsfield.com for more information.
About Williamstown Cultural District (https://destinationwilliamstown.org/)
The Williamstown Cultural District highlights world-renowned visual and performing arts, academic and cultural attractions, and local artists. Nestled in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, the town is a unique mix of extraordinary art, theatre, ideas, history, and nature.
About 1Berkshire (https://1berkshire.com/)
1Berkshire is a primary partner for ArtWeek Berkshires and is hosting the event landing page. 1Berkshire is a county-wide organization focused on economic development and promotion of the region as a preferred place to visit, to live, and to grow a business. It provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers and works to develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.
About Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (https://berkshireplanning.org/)
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is the official region-wide planning agency in Berkshire County, providing comprehensive planning services to municipalities, including land use, transportation, community and economic development, housing, public health, and environmental planning. BRPC promotes regional collaboration among communities and increases coordination among all levels of government.
