Grandees in Western Massachusetts have long seen the arts as key to bolstering the region’s economy. One endeavor, the restoration of the Victory Theater in Holyoke, seemingly scored big. It received a $2 million American Rescue Plan Act grant from the city. When Holyoke had to claw back the grant this month, it dealt a blow to efforts to build out downtown as an arts hub.
BY LINDA MATYS O’CONNELL, ARTS & CULTURE CORRESPONDENT SPRINGFIELD—Flowers are raising their heads outside my window. Last Friday, the city’s artistic community bloomed downtown. I like this eventuality: April showers, then May flowers with promise. The artistic flowering was the Art Stop(s) celebration showcasing Springfield’s
BY LINDA MATYS O’CONNELL ARTS & CULTURE CORRESPONDENT SPRINGFIELD—Eager and open, Karen Finn is a new face on the cultural scene in Springfield. The executive director of the Springfield Cultural Partnership has been on the job in her modest office space in the Community Music
By LINDA MATYS O’CONNELL, Arts & Culture Correspondent HOLYOKE—Eyes were sparking, smiles flashing on a pleasant Saturday morning in January as more than 80 ambitious representatives of the Valley’s creative community gathered and got caffeinated at Gateway City Arts. Anticipation riffled through the room as