SANDISFIELD CULTURAL COUNCIL SEEKS PROPOSALS

SANDISFIELD, MA -- The Sandisfield Cultural Council has set an October 15 postmark deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Sandisfield and surrounding towns including exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures.

The Sandisfield Cultural Council will also entertain funding proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school-age children to attend cultural field trips.

The Sandisfield Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

This year, the Sandisfield Cultural Council will distribute about $4,000 in grants. Previously funded projects include: Berkshire Theatre Festival and Shakespeare & Co. residencies in the schools, class trips for Farmington River Regional School children, concerts for Seniors, and support for Sandisfield Arts Center programs. The Sandisfield Cultural Council is currently seeking new members.

For specific guidelines and additional information, contact Liana Toscanini at (413) 258-4904 or liana@communityaccesstothearts.org. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp. Application forms are also available at Town Hall, the library and the post office.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT SANDISFIELD ARTS CENTER

Sandisfield, MA – On Friday evening, September 4th, The Sandisfield Arts Center launches a 12-week film series featuring local hosts, commentary, and refreshments. Screenings take place on Friday evenings at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $5.

Author and film enthusiast, Simon Winchester, opens the series on September 4th with “I Know Where I’m Going,” a 1945 romance by the British-based filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Winchester will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterwards. On September 25th, he will host “The Red Shoes.”

On September 11, French filmmaker and Sandisfield resident, Diego Ongaro, will host the 1959 Truffaut film, “400 Blows.” Bonner McAllester of Monterey will host “Salt of the Earth” on September 18 based on a 1951 zinc miner's strike that took place in Silver City, New Mexico.

Singer/Songwriter, Kenn Morr (named “Best New Band” by the Hartford Advocate), performs on September 12th at 8PM. Tickets are $15. Earlier that evening, two Sandisfield photographers host an opening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Richard Migot features photographs of the Berkshires and Flora Parisky presents photographs of her travels in Europe and the United States.

On Saturday, September 19, Karl Saliter’s Circus Comedy takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with fun for the whole family. The show features unicycles, juggling, audience participation and continuous laughter. Tickets for adults are $10, $5 for children.

These programs are made possible by grants from the Sandisfield and Otis Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Sandisfield Arts Center is located on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield. For directions, reservations and more information about the historic building and upcoming programs, visit www.sandisfieldartscenter.org or call 258-4100.