Creative Economy

Beautifying cities across the state with art is the mission of one non-profit group that is working on a piece in Hampden County. If you head to downtown Chicopee, you may catch a glimpse of artists painting murals on buildings near Chicopee City Hall. They are sponsored by the organization ‘Beyond Walls.’ Polish artist, Bezt…

Block Art Studio, a Black-owned and operated art center that focuses on neighborhood youth and entrepreneurs, is coming to Springfield. While the studio is not slated to open until April 2024, recent grants were awarded to assist in its establishment. Block Art Studio Managing Director Jasper McCoy explained that the Love Art Collective Inc. received…

The Western Massachusetts Anchor Collaborative (WMAC), founded by the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) in partnership with Baystate Health, provides comprehensive, systemic, and locally led solutions to regional women- and minority- owned businesses and workforce challenges. The WMAC was initiated to propel hiring and career pathways for BIPOC and marginalized populations. The WMAC has…

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced its sponsorship of the 2023 Summer Event Series organized by RiverCulture, the creative-economy program of the town of Montague. The series features a variety of cultural events happening in the five villages of Montague and the Turners Falls Cultural District, including live music, outdoor movies, theater, family activities, and festivals. The…

The Western Mass Creative Economy Network (CEN) announced it has received a $185,934 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and its Regional Pilot Project Grant Program. These funds will support the creation of the Western Mass ArtsHub. The Regional Pilot Project Grant Program was established to support recovery solutions based on the specific…

Call to designers/branding companies for ArtsHub. The Creative Economy Network (CEN) seeks the services of a local graphic design professional to develop a visual brand for a new Western Mass ArtsHub, an online resource portal for the creative community in Western Massachusetts. The ArtsHub will be a dynamic, web-based portal to connect artists, residents, visitors,…

What’s Hot in Hollywood: The Current State of the Film and Television Marketplace  Thursday, June 3, 6–8 pm ET Atlas leads a two-hour in-depth exploration of what studios and producers are buying right now, focusing on the types of projects being “green lit” by film and television studios. She’ll share tips, tricks, tools, and tactics…

With the sounds of local musician Joe Velez filling the air, city officials and the Springfield Central Cultural District on Tuesday kicked off round two of the popular Painted Piano Project.  Three painted pianos have been placed around the downtown area, including outside 1350 Main St., at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum at…

Co-working spaces — offices where members share physical work areas and office technology and supplies — have become an increasingly popular model for small, particularly solo, businesses in the region. Mary Yun, executive director of Click Workspace in Northampton, had a broader vision, helping to grow a center that brings economic energy to the city,…