This summer, Liana Rice, an SCD major and Studio Art minor at UMass, worked as the Arts and Culture Intern for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Rice's role was centered around the drafting of the Pittsfield Cultural Plan. This plan, funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), aims to enhance the local arts and culture scene in Pittsfield, MA and improve accessibility for residents.
To inform the cultural plan, Rice created and distributed surveys to Pittsfield community members. She also collected data on the city's existing arts and culture organizations, and conducted extensive research on similar plans from other cities across the country. These efforts led to Rice's involvement in the final drafting of the plan with the planning commission team.
Interning with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission gave Rice the opportunity to witness how collaborative efforts between local organizations, residents, and the City of Pittsfield can lead to real, tangible progress.
"I now have a much deeper understanding of how various aspects of planning contributes to a community identity and supports economic growth," said Rice. "I'm so grateful for the experience and skills I have gained this summer!"