Originally published in the Berkshire Eagle | By Matt Martinez, The Berkshire Eagle Jan 10, 2025

BECKET — Pamela Tatge, creative and executive director of Jacob’s Pillow, has received a national award for making the arts more accessible to Berkshire County residents.
Tatge was awarded the 2025 Fan Taylor Distinguished Service Award by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, recognizing her contributions to equity and accessibility at the famed dance center and her achievements in curation and programming throughout her career. That includes her time at Wesleyan University prior to joining Jacob's Pillow in 2016.

Originally published on the Berkshire EDGE | Written by Shaw Israel Izikson February 3, 2025

Great Barrington -- After nearly 18 years of operation, local organization Multicultural BRIDGE (Berkshire Resources for Integration of Diverse Groups and Education) has purchased a building for its programs at 965 Main Street.
According to the organization’s website, Multicultural BRIDGE “connects vulnerable community members with key resources and networks, while also providing education to local institutions and the community at large.” The nonprofit organization offers multiple programs and community services.
Organization founder and CEO Gwendolyn VanSant told The Berkshire Edge that the organization has operated from its administrative offices in Lee for many years. It has also rented the 965 Main Street location for its programs for the past two years. “For a long time, we did not ever have a central spot for all of our programs,” said VanSant. “We traveled throughout Berkshire County with our programs for many years. It was fun because we developed relationships and partnerships with churches, arts institutions, and other nonprofits.” However, VanSant added the organization wanted a central location to operate its programs.