Current Partners
arts partner
In the forefront of the “early music” movement (Renaissance, Baroque), which emphasizes performing in the musical style of the time, and on original instruments – those for which the music was written, the Aston Magna Music Festival was founded in 1972 in Great Barrington. Its first home was Saint James Church, and its home today is the beautiful, renovated Saint James Place where it continues to perform its Berkshires summer festival today.
“Performing at Saint James Place offers Aston Magna a Berkshires ‘home’ that is acoustically outstanding, comfortable, and in the heart of bustling Great Barrington, convenient to all residents and visitors.”
arts partner
Crescendo is a tri-state music organization performing rarely heard Renaissance and Baroque music, Latin American, and contemporary music for chorus, vocal and instrumental ensembles. Distinguished with a national award for Adventurous Programming in 2014, Crescendo brings together dedicated local amateur singers with nationally and internationally renowned early and contemporary music specialists in historically informed and also innovative multimedia performances.
“Saint James Place has been our preferred concert venue in Massachusetts since its opening in 2017, where we perform up to six productions per season. It is an elegant venue with a warm and clear acoustic, and a very supportive management, making it a great and comfortable place for our audiences, as well as enabling our productions to be heard in a space that complements their artistic message.”
arts partner
The Festival Latino of the Berkshires promotes Latino cultural heritage community programming in Berkshire County. We aim to recognize Latino countries’ historical and continuous contributions as a part of the Berkshire population through music, dance, and cuisine. The renowned annual festival is the largest celebration of the U.S.’ Hispanic Heritage Month in Western Massachusetts.
“The elegant stage, multiple dressing rooms, and supportive staff at Saint James Place allows our organization to host professional Latin folkloric dance performers from all around the northeast to perform in the famous arts town of Great Barrington.”
arts partner
Great Barrington Arts Market (GBAM) is an ongoing, handmade market featuring top artisans based in the Berkshires and surrounding regions of New York State and Connecticut. GBAM seeks to share stellar, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces with those that appreciate shopping and supporting locally made.
“The open communication, seamless interactions, and enthusiastic realization of our events at Saint James Place is second to none. We’re grateful for the opportunity to host our events in this stunning space, year after year.”
arts partner
Great Barrington Public Theater’s (GBPT) mission is the development and production of new plays with a focus on playwrights and theater artists living in and around Berkshire County. GBPT presents exciting new work — full-length productions, staged readings, talk-backs with playwrights, actors, directors and more -year-round.
“Great Barrington Public Theater is proud to be a resident organization at Saint James Place, where we have our office and where we enjoy access to all the available spaces for board meetings, performances, readings, rehearsals, and community conversations with theater-makers.”
arts partner
The Olga Dunn Dance Company is a nonprofit organization that develops and performs original, contemporary choreography using a wide variety of movement styles and music. The dancers, ranging in age from 20s to 40s, aim to uplift, engage, and sometimes amuse audiences. The Company seeks out exciting collaborations as well.
“Saint James Place offers an artistic haven for the Olga Dunn Dance Company. Rehearsing year round in Saint James Place’s Great Hall and performing multiple concerts annually on its beautiful Sanctuary stage is sheer joy. The Olga Dunn Dance Company feels creatively nurtured and professionally supported by Saint James Place and its staff.”
Community partner
Founded in 1980, the Schumacher Center for a New Economics works to envision the elements of a just and regenerative global economy; undertakes to apply these elements in its home region of the Berkshires; and then develops the educational programs to share the results more broadly, encouraging replication.
“Saint James Place offers an excellent, centrally-located venue befitting our international speakers, with a great deal of flexibility to accommodate our event programming.”
arts partner
The Vocalis Youth Choir is a not-for-profit arts organization that aims to educate young people in the art of choral music while providing opportunities for personal and creative growth, youth leadership, and community involvement.
“The choir loves rehearsing and performing in this space for its gorgeous architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and for the support it offers our non-profit. We love being nestled right in the heart of Great Barrington and are proud to call Saint James Place our home!”
Community partner
The People’s Pantry, a Great Barrington food security nonprofit organization, carries out their mission to reduce hunger in the southern Berkshires by distributing food in a manner that preserves the dignity and sense of self-worth of each shopper. There are no income guidelines and shoppers are welcome to visit once each week all year. In 1999, The People’s Pantry began in the garage of Saint James Church. In 2017, Saint James Place became this food access nonprofit’s permanent home; this was a top priority for founders Sally and Fred Harris when retrofitting their above-ground basement home on the Taconic Avenue (Saint James Pl.) side. Learn more about The People’s Pantry.
“Since first opening, Saint James Place has welcomed the People’s Pantry with open arms. We simply couldn’t exist without the generosity and goodwill of the entire Saint James Place administration and staff. As we serve the community, Saint James Place acts as a true community partner. We are so grateful to have a home here.”
Arts Partners
Click the button for Arts Partner benefits or contact Seth Keyes, Executive Director: (413) 528-1996.