Thinking Like A Region

Ep. 21: Dr. Barbara Malkas, North Adams Public SchoolsIn this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Drury High School student Miguel Pabon sits down with Superintendent Dr. Malkas to discuss her background as a dancer, the arts scenes in both New York City and the Berkshires, and the powerful creative capacities of observation, questioning, and telling the larger story of our society.Throughout the interview, the pair discuss the impact AI will have on the arts, as well as the 2023 blockbuster movies Barbie and Oppenheimer, and their mark on our cultural landscape.This episode was recorded in July 2023. Some references and information may be dated.A full transcript of the episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/TLAR-BMThis Episode's Voices:Barbara Malkas, Ed.D, is the Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. Miguel Pabon is a student at Drury High School in North Adams, MA, and is a member of the Drury Stage Company.

Ep. 20 - Dr. Tim Callahan, North Adams Public SchoolsIn this episode ofThinking Like a Region, Drury High School student Miguel Pabon sits down with North Adams Public Schools' Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tim Callahan to discuss his path from drawing trucks and comics in elementary school to becoming a teacher and educational leader. Along the way the two discuss the impact that infusing arts into education has, the power of writing and creativity, the skills needed to write a great email, and growing up in Berkshire County.Find a full transcript of this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/TLAR-TCThis episode was recorded in the spring of 2023. Some information and references may be dated.This Episode's VoicesTim Callahan, Ed.D, is the Assistant Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. Miguel Pabon is a student at Drury High School in North Adams, MA, and is a member of the Drury Stage Company at the Drury Performing Arts Center.For more information about the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4

Episode 19: Erick Ramos-Jacobo Episode host Zurie Adams a recent graduate from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), engages in a dynamic conversation with Erick: an MCLA alumni, curator, educator, and writer. In this episode, the pair discuss Erick's history with writing, image making, and photography, and how his artistic process has evolved. Eric also discusses how his work as a waiter has bolstered his work as a curator and artist, as well as his career goals going forward. A full transcript of the episode can be found here. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Eric Ramos-Jacobo is a writer, social practitioner and curator, who uses his work to educate and lift the voices of newcomer, or immigrant, communities in the Berkshires. As a student at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Eric created The Mariposa Project, a collective of Newcomer artists collaborating to explore themes of cultural disorientation, place and identity experience by the community through creative channels of dialogue and community care.

Episode 18: Zurie Adams Episode host Erick Ramos-Jacobo, a recent graduate from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), engages in a dynamic conversation with Zurie Adams: an MCLA alumna, theatre- and filmmaker. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, they delve into Zurie's journey in the performing arts, her creative inspirations, and her aspirations for a future that intertwines various art forms. “Perfection is not real. The arts have taught me that because even with all of the rehearsals and every precaution, something is going to go wrong, and that is okay.” This episode emphasizes the importance of practical problem-solving, collaboration, and the influence of arts education on personal and professional development. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/TLAW-ZA Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission in Pittsfield, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Leslie Appleget and Lisa Donovan. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Erick Ramos-Jacobo is an immigrant educator, curator, and social practitioner born in Zacatecas, Mexico. Renowned Brazilian Pop artist and Parque Lage professor, Bruno Miguel, noted him as “One of the most promising young curators” (Defining Moments, MASS MoCA, 2022). He's recognized for his work in the arts, particularly in collaboration with organizations like MASS MoCA, Barrington Stage Company, Assets 4 Artists at MASS MoCA, and Madison MoCA. Erick has had the privilege of working alongside curator and educator Dr. Laura Thompson on exhibitions and educational programs featuring notable artists such as Bruno Miguel, Shaun Leonardo, Anne Samat, and Federico Uribe. His passion lies in leveraging the power of the arts to build healthier, more vibrant, and equitable communities for immigrant individuals, with a special focus on museums as a starting point. Erick's curatorial work and educational development are currently on view at MASS MoCA and his newest collaboration, Metamorphosis|Metamorfosis, opened September 2023 at Madison MoCA.

Episode 17: Lisa Chamberlain - The Chamberlain Group By Zurie Adams In 1999, Lisa Chamberlain co-founded the Chamberlain Group, which serves an international clientele of medical device manufacturers, teaching institutions, and hospitals, providing anatomy for the development and training of surgical and interventional procedures. Prior to that, Lisa graduated from Princeton and attended the Yale School of Drama in the MFA program in Theatre Management. She also worked for 13 years in New York in film and television production before moving to the Berkshires in 1995 to produce visual effects for feature films such as THE MATRIX. On this episode of Thinking Like A Region, Lisa sits down with MCLA alumna Zurie Adams to discuss how her background in the arts enabled her to start her own business creating anatomical models for medical training, through skillsets such as creativity, ingenuity and building projects from the ground up. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/LC-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative: Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Leslie Appleget and Lisa Donovan. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit ⁠brainworks.mcla.edu/c4

Episode 16: Lisa Dent - MASS MoCA by Erick Ramos-Jacobo  Episode host Erick Ramos-Jacobo is a senior at MCLA. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Erick interviews Lisa Dent, Director of Public Programs at MASS MoCA. The two discuss Dent's multidisciplinary career and the influence her career as a curator, designer, art critic, and more has had in supporting her new leadership position.  “I am a black woman who loves to sing in order to feel heard, and I'm so happy when I'm able to be in community with others.” “I think the skills that I bring to MASS MoCA are the fact that I have had a multidisciplinary life.” This episode focuses on the creative capacities of project management/development, self-advocacy, and public speaking learned from theatre-making and close-looking, interpretation and critical thinking taught by museums.  You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://bit.ly/TLAR-LDMM Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission in Pittsfield, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Leslie Appleget and Lisa Donovan. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Lisa has been in the field for close to 30 years, bringing enthusiasm, humor and heart to her work everyday. This has included her creative practice as well as collaborations and management of larger, artistic projects. She has owned and managed departments of small, mid-size, and large organizations through the lens of inclusion, equity, and anti-oppression. Her background includes work in the visual arts, publishing, theater, and film, making her one of the few professionals deeply engaged with artists and colleagues across multiple genres. Lisa received her BFA from Howard University, her MFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, and completed the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program in curatorial studies. She has served on several juries and committees and is currently a board member of Triple Canopy. Erick Ramos-Jacobo is an immigrant educator, curator, and social practitioner born in Zacatecas, Mexico. Renowned Brazilian Pop artist and Parque Lage professor, Bruno Miguel, noted him as “One of the most promising young curators” (Defining Moments, MASS MoCA, 2022). He's recognized for his work in the arts, particularly in collaboration with organizations like MASS MoCA, Barrington Stage Company, Assets 4 Artists at MASS MoCA, and Madison MoCA. Erick has had the privilege of working alongside curator and educator Dr. Laura Thompson on exhibitions and educational programs featuring notable artists such as Bruno Miguel, Shaun Leonardo, Anne Samat, and Federico Uribe. His passion lies in leveraging the power of the arts to build healthier, more vibrant, and equitable communities for immigrant individuals, with a special focus on museums as a starting point. Erick's curatorial work and educational development are currently on view at MASS MoCA and his newest collaboration, Metamorphosis|Metamorfosis, will open September 2023 at Madison MoCA.

Episode 15: Andy Wrba - Mill Town Foundation By Zurie Adams Andy Wrba is a Berkshire musician and educator who, in 2012, founded the Berkshire Jazz Collective, which supports the county by creating music that features local artists. For nine years (2014-2023) he served as the Music Director at the Darrow School in Lebanon, NY. Currently, he is the program manager of Mill Town Foundation where he oversees community programs and partnerships while continuing to curate and produce events such as the Bosque Summer Concert series, Lennox Jazz Stroll, and Tanglewood in the City. In addition to his educational and community programming work, from 2005-2012 he performed all over the U.S. in a band, Barefoot Truth, producing several full-length albums and EPs, becoming a symbol of independent music success, acquiring over 50 million streams on Spotify and Pandora. In this episode of Thinking Like A Region, MCLA student Zurie Adams has a discussion with Andy Wrba about how his life as a musician equipped him with skills such as dedication, multi-tasking and patience, which he has transferred to other areas of his life. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/AW-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative: Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Leslie Appleget and Lisa Donovan. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4

Episode 14: Beryl Jolly - The Trustees of Reservations by Johan Serrano MCLA student Johan Serrano returns to host the final episode of the season! In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Serrano interviews Beryl Jolly, arts manager, community engagement professional, former executive director, fundraiser, and currently working as the Vice President of Cultural Properties at The Trustees of Reservations: a land conservation and historic preservation organization dedicated to preserving natural and historical places in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jolly describes her pathway to this position and the skills her early creative experiences gave her that she puts to use every day. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of communicating, adapting to different settings, attention to detail, and exploring what constitutes high-quality artworks. You can find the transcript for this episode here:https://tinyurl.com/TLAR-BRJ Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Beryl Jolly is the Vice President of Cultural Properties at The Trustees. Beryl joined The Trustees in June of 2020. Prior to joining The Trustees, Beryl was the Executive Director at Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center where she worked for 15 years. Johan Serrano is an arts management student at MCLA.

Episode 13: Leslie Appleget - C4 Initiative by Skylah Zayas This episode was recorded in the spring of 2022. Some information may be dated. Episode host Skylah Zayas is a sophomore at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Zayas interviews Leslie Appleget, District Arts Integration Specialist for North Adams Public Schools, the former project coordinator of BRAINworks and the C4 Initiative, and the producer of this podcast. The two discuss Appleget's arts-based education and how it led to the creation of Thinking Like A Region and the initiative as a whole. Along with this, Appleget tells how her experiences with the arts, such as dance, have taught her project management and collaboration skills. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of verbal and nonverbal communication, time management, collaboration, and awareness of both self and others. Listen in to hear Appleget's passion for arts education. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/TLAR-LAA Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. Additional technical podcast support by Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Leslie Appleget is the former project coordinator for both the Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network (BRAINworks) as well as the C4 Initiative, and the producer of this podcast. Her current role as the District Arts Integration Specialist at North Adams Public Schools allows her to continue to drive the goals of the Berkshire Blueprint for Arts Integration and Arts Education forward in the region. Leslie holds an MA in Arts Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, and a BA in Communications & Government from American University. Leslie is the daughter of a public school educator of 40 years and the direct result of a vibrant arts education program. Skylah Zayas is a student at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts currently pursuing art and elementary education.

Episode 12: Emily Schiavoni - North Adams Public Schools by Mackenzie Liddle & Michael Brassard NOTE: This episode was recorded in Spring 2021, so some information may be dated. Today's episode is hosted by Mackenzie Liddle, a senior and arts management major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Michael Brassard, a senior at BART Charter. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Liddle and Brassard interview Emily Schiavoni, the Community and Family Engagement Coordinator at North Adams Public Schools. The three discuss how Schiavoni's art degree led her to her career in education. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of communication, presentation skills, collaboration and perseverance. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/ES-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. Additional technical podcast support by Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Emily Schiavoni is the Community and Family Engagement Coordinator at North Adams Public Schools in North Adams, MA. Schiavoni received her B.A. in Studio Art at Keene State College and her Master of Education at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Mackenzie Liddle is a graduate of the arts management major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Michael “Mikey” Brassard is a graduate of BART Charter Public School.

Episode 10: Talya Kingston - WAM Theatre by Wendy Lyons Episode host Wendy Lyons is a student at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Lyons interviews Talya Kingston, dramaturg, playwright, and educator currently working as the Associate Artistic Director at WAM Theatre. WAM, an abbreviation of Where Arts and Activism Meet, is a professional theatre company in Western Massachusetts. Kingston describes her personal journey to and at WAM, WAM's mission, and how she believes that arts and activism intersect. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of public speaking, building confidence, and the effect of art on interpersonal dynamics. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/TK-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Talya Kingston is a dramaturg, playwright, and educator currently working as the Associate Artistic Director at WAM Theatre. She previously worked as a Visiting Professor of Theatre at Hampshire College. Kingston is a member of Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, the Dramatists Guild and the Northampton Playwrights Lab, and holds an MFA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Wendy Lyons is a student at MCLA studying public history.

Episode 9: Quray Clarke - MCLA Student by Jolyne Allegro Episode host Jolyne Allegro is a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Allegro interviews Quray Clarke, a visual artist and photographer from Queens, New York with a specialty in creative portraiture. Clarke is also a student at MCLA, providing listeners with an inside look into how MCLA's art programs translate into real-world careers in the arts. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of changing the ways we act, self-expression, community building, human connection, and building confidence. For a look into Clarke's work, visit his portfolio at https://okayarchive.com/ You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/QC-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. Additional technical support by Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Quray Clarke is a visual artist and activist from Queens, New York with a concentration in creative portrait photography. Clarke is also a student at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Jolyne Allegro is a transgender senior at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, studying theater and anthropology. Jo has been an active member of the arts community throughout high school and college. Her experiences in the art community have given her a unique perspective on the way that art affects people, both the creation of art, as well as the ways that taking in works of art can affect the soul.

Episode 9: Erica Barreto - MCLA Institute for Arts and Humanities by Alana O'Connor Today's episode is hosted by Alana O'Connor, a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, O'Connor interviews Erica Barreto, a 2018 graduate of MCLA now working as the MCLA Institute for the Arts and Humanities (MCLA-IAH) Coordinator. O'Connor and Barreto discuss the role of arts in the Berkshires, along with talks about her previous work as well as her working at MCLA, and what being a collaborator of IAH entails. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of communication, translation of experiences, project management, and the ability to approach difficult conversations. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/EB-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Erica Barreto is the former Coordinator of the MCLA Institute of Arts and Humanities. Barreto graduated from MCLA in 2018 with a degree in English/Communications with a Creative Writing concentration and Arts Management. She sits on the boards of WAM Theatre and BRIDGE, and is currently the Executive Assistant to the President of the Berkshire Black Economic Council. Alana O'Connor is a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Episode 7: Pamela Tatge - Jacob's Pillow by Emi Bailey Today's episode is hosted by Emi Bailey, a freshman at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Bailey interviews Pamela Tatge, Executive & Artistic Director of Jacob's Pillow, an international dance festival, professional school, and dance archive in Becket, MA. Tatge and Bailey discuss the Pillow's work, Tatge's history in dance, the importance of inclusion in the art world, and more. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of improvisation, partnership and discipline. Listen in to learn more about one of the most famous dance centers in the region. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/PT-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. Additional technical podcast support by Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Pamela Tatge is the Executive & Artistic Director at Jacob's Pillow in Becket, MA. Tatge previously served as the Director of the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. She was named one of “The Most Influential People in Dance Today” by Dance Magazine in 2017 and is the recipient of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters' 2010 William Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellence and Sustained Achievement in Programming. Tatge holds a B.A. in History and an M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Emi Bailey is a student at Massachusetts College of Liberal arts. She is a dancer who is passionate about accessibility.

Episode 7: Craig Langlois - Berkshire Museum by Johan Serrano Episode host Johan Serrano at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts returns to host another episode of Thinking Like a Region. Serrano interviews Craig Langlois, the Chief Experience Officer at Berkshire Museum. The two discuss Langlois' formal art training, his work in ceramics, and his philosophy around making art and accessing individual creativity. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of perseverance, self-discovery, designing experiences to get to spark curiosity, and finding creative solutions to creative problems. Listen in to hear Langlois' perspective on the concepts of permanence and growth in his own artwork. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/CLBM-TLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget, with additional technical podcast support from Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: CRAIG LANGLOIS has devoted his professional life to developing innovative educational experiences in the arts as a teacher and a curator. As the museum's Chief Experience Officer and during nearly a decade of service to the museum in other roles, Craig, who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree, has created and implemented a wide variety of programs and exhibitions at the Berkshire Museum. A member of the museum's senior leadership team, Craig has been and continues to contribute to setting the museum's New Vision. Craig is active as a community leader as well, working with local nonprofit organizations and schools to strengthen education and expand learning in the region. JOHAN SERRANO is a senior and arts management major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Episode 6: Tom Bernard - Berkshire United Way Today's episode is hosted by Leslie Appleget, District Arts Integration Specialist at North Adams Public Schools and former C4 Coordinator at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Appleget interviews Tom Bernard, President and CEO of Berkshire United Way, and the former mayor of North Adams, MA. The two discuss the goals of the nonprofit, the role of arts education in the nonprofit world, and the countless ways that engagement with art builds confidence. This episode focuses on expression, communication, confidence, and presence. Listen in to hear more of Bernard's passion for serving the region. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/TLAR-TWB Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. Additional technical podcast support by Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Tom Bernard is the President and CEO of the nonprofit Berkshire United Way. Previously, he served as Mayor of North Adams, MA from January 2018 to January 2022, and worked in various positions at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for 8 years. Bernard received his B.A. in History & Religion from Williams College and his Masters of Public Administration from Westfield State University. Leslie Appleget (she/her) is a researcher and arts manager who has worked with arts and cultural organizations in both the U.S. and the U.K. for a decade. As the District Arts Integration Specialist at North Adams Public Schools and manager of the Berkshire Cultural Asset Network, Leslie is driving change region-wide in arts education through collective impact in Berkshire County. Leslie holds an MA in Arts Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, and a BA in Government from American University. She produces this podcast, Thinking Like A Region, as part of the C4 Initiative, which she leads with Dr. Lisa Donovan. A former dancer, Leslie is the daughter of a public school educator and the direct result of a vibrant arts education program.

Episode 5: Ben Lamb - 1Berkshire by Lisa Donovan Today's episode is hosted by Lisa Donovan, Ph.D., a professor in the Fine & Performing Arts Department at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Donovan interviews Ben Lamb, Director of Economic Development at 1Berkshire. Donovan and Lamb discuss the role of the arts in economic development, Lamb's history as a student at MCLA, and projects he has been a part of across Berkshire County. Lamb shares his insights on the importance of exposing our youth to the arts, the skills employers are looking for, and how the arts can develop these skills and capacities including community engagement and working collaboratively. Listen in to hear how Lamb works to serve the arts programs across the region. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/benTLAR Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. Additional technical support by Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Ben Lamb is the Director of Economic Development at 1Berkshire. Lamb's work focuses on what he calls ‘wraparound economic development,' which creates connective tissue between traditional and non-traditional participants in the region's economic ecosystem — most notably through his development and launch of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, an economic-development imperative for the region's next decade. Lisa Donovan, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Previously, she served as Lesley University's Director of the Creative Arts in the Learning Division. Dr. Donovan has published widely and presented across the country and internationally on arts integration, rural arts education, and arts integration assessment. She is co-director of BRAINworks and the Director of the Institute for the Arts and Humanities. She is the 2021 Recipient of the Massachusetts Arts|Learning Irene Buck Service to Arts Education Award.

Hosted by Johan Serrano, a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, this episode of Thinking Like a Region spotlights Leslie Wu Foley, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Foley speaks on the journey she took as a musician, from picking up musical instruments at a young age to her current placement with the renowned orchestra, along with the challenges they face in becoming inclusive and reaching out to the greater Massachusetts community in the midst of a pandemic. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of problem-solving, focus, communication, discipline, persistence, leading by example, creating a shared voice, and finding your sense of purpose. Listen in to hear how Foley and the entire Orchestra work as a team to create music for a region. You can find the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/TALR-LWF Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Leslie Appleget and Lisa Donovan. Technical podcast support by Audrey Perdue. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Leslie Wu Foley currently serves as the Helaine B. Allen Director of Education and Community Engagement at Boston Symphony Orchestra. Foley graduated from Princeton University with a degree in art history. She has previously worked with New York Philharmonic, and has served as Director of the Center for Art and Community Partnerships at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Associate Director of the Tanglewood Music Center, Executive Director of the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Director of Admissions at the Longy School of Music, and Assistant Producer of BSO broadcasts at WCRB. Johan Serrano is a senior and arts management major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Episode 3: Julianne Boyd - Barrington Stage Company by Alison Blakeslee & Eve McDougall NOTE: This episode was recorded in Spring 2021. Some information may be dated. Today's episode is hosted by Alison Blakeslee, a freshman at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Eve McDougall, a junior at Monument Mountain Regional High School. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Blakeslee and McDougall interview Julianne Boyd, theatre director, founder, and artistic director at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA. Boyd discusses how her passion for theatre from a young age shaped her future career, how she was led to Barrington Stage, the Stage's mission and endeavors, and more. Boyd believes that “you don't have to be brilliant to be creative…you just have to be in touch with your emotions.” This episode focuses on the creative capacities of deep listening, experimentation, and collaboration. Listen in to hear how Barrington Stage Company serves a passion of a region. You can find the transcript for this episode here. Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Julianne Boyd is a theatre director and the founder and artistic director at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA. Boyd received her B.A. in theatre and education at Arcadia University and her doctorate in theatre at the City University of New York. Notably, with the Company, Boyd produced the Tony Award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2004. Alison Blakeslee is a freshman at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Eve McDougall is a junior at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

Episode 2: Jennifer Trainer Thompson - Hancock Shaker Village by Alex King & Kyle Gwilt Today's episode is hosted by Alex King, a senior and arts management major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Kyle Gwilt, a senior at BART Charter. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, King and Gwilt interview Jennifer Trainer Thompson, cultural administrator, author, and journalist. Thompson is a beloved founder of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (better known as MASS MoCA) and now serves as president and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village (HSV). Thompson speaks on how she believes arts education serves creative institutions, her astounding journey with MASS MoCA, the “volcanic shift” she sees occurring in the museum world, and all the things she loves about the Berkshires. This episode focuses on the creative capacities of complex problem solving, adaption, curiosity, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness. Listen in to hear Thompson's unique journey of developing and managing arts programs that define a region. You can find the transcript for this episode here soon. Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Jennifer Trainer Thompson is the director and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village and a founder and ex-creative director at MASS MoCA. Hired at MoCA in 1988, only 2 years after the institution's inception, Thompson is regarded as one of the most influential people in the museum's history and is credited as director of the museum's 2019 documentary Museum Town. Thompson is native to Southeastern, MA, and studied English literature at Tufts University in Medford. Alex King is a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA. King is a major in arts management. Kyle Gwilt is a senior at BART Charter in Adams, MA.

Episode 1: Tessa Kelly - The Mastheads Episode by Sam Bonney Episode host Sam Bonney is a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In this episode of Thinking Like a Region, Sam interviews Tessa Kelly, co-founder and design director of The Mastheads, an experimental writers' residency and public humanities project based in Pittsfield, MA. Kelly highlights her journey in setting up The Mastheads program and how it has shaped her understanding of the arts and the skills and practices. In Kelly's words, “What I find really amazing about The Mastheads is that we continue to find ways to, through inviting everyday people, to find and share their creative voice as a way to reflect on where we live, and that we continue to find new opportunities to shape and improve our public spaces.” This episode focuses on the creative capacities of active listening, the ways ideas are combined with other goals, embracing and responding to multiple voices, and translating ideas into actions. Listen in to learn what it means to be an arts program that serves a region. You can find the transcript for this episode here. Thinking Like A Region is a production of the C4 Initiative, Berkshire County's Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact, based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This podcast is produced by Lisa Donovan and Leslie Appleget. For more information about the show or the C4 Initiative, visit brainworks.mcla.edu/c4. THIS EPISODE'S VOICES: Tessa Kelly is the co-founder and design director of The Mastheads in her hometown of Pittsfield, MA. She received her B.A. in art history from Williams College and her M.Arch from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Kelly created The Mastheads alongside her husband and co-founder, Chris Parkinson, with grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and Housatonic Heritage. Sam Bonney is a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA. Bonney is majoring in arts management. His passions are literature, history, and learning.

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