Springfield Republican Outlook 2026: These culture leaders focus on partnerships to sustain WMass arts

By Aprell May Munford | AMunford@repub.com

For a pair of arts leaders in Western Massachusetts, the question heading into 2026 isn’t what’s next — it’s what’s sustainable.

The Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity in Florence to the Northampton Jazz Festival are two groups in the region that are rethinking how they support

artists and engage communities amid rising touring costs, housing challenges and post‑pandemic realities.

Leaders say those pressures are driving a shift toward longer artist stays, deeper partnerships and expanded access to live music, all aimed at keeping the region’s creative ecosystem viable.

At Bombyx, Executive Director Cassandra Holden said bringing internationally touring artists to the stage now requires rethinking how — and how often — those tours happen as costs continue to rise. The center is changing how it handles touring to make it easier on artists, especially those with families.

“Streamed music puts greater pressure on artists to tour, which does not often leave time to rest and create,” she said.

That concern has led Bombyx to experiment with longer artist stays rather than quick, one‑night performances. Some visiting artists now stay several days or up to a week, giving them time to rest, develop new work and connect with the community before ending their residency with a performance.

“Artists need time to make new work and make mistakes without an audience watching,” said Holden. “They also need time with family, friends, faith and personal health — just like anyone else.”

Grants and equity funding help support artists during that downtime, which leaders say develops stronger work and more sustainable careers.

Bombyx and other organizations are also working to reduce travel stress by booking performances closer together and partnering with nearby schools and local groups, allowing artists to spend more time in one place instead of rushing from town to town.

Beyond touring, arts organizations across Western Massachusetts are collaborating increasingly on larger challenges, including affordable housing and access to studio space.

Housing remains one of the biggest obstacles facing artists, Holden said, noting that affordable housing is often misunderstood and unfairly associated only with Section 8 or certain groups of people.

“The stigma is real,” said Holden, who has worked in housing for years. “People don’t always understand who lives in these homes or how important stable housing is to a healthy community.”

Rising rents are forcing many artists to take on extra jobs, leaving less time for creative work, and some already have left the region in search of more affordable places to live.

In response, arts organizations are working with groups such as MASSCreative and local lawmakers to push for change.

Last year, artists, teachers and housing advocates traveled together to meet with state leaders and share their experiences, she said.

“Art is a pillar of the community,” Holden said. “It’s as important as schools, food access and stable homes. Without it, the future looks bleak.”

Holden said transportation and regional identity also matter. Easier travel between towns and a stronger sense of Western Massachusetts as a connected arts destination could help attract both residents and visitors, much like people travel across New York City to see performances.

That same focus on collaboration and access is shaping how live music is presented in Northampton, where the Northampton Jazz Festival has grown far beyond a single weekend event.

Now in its 15th year, the Jazz Festival presents live jazz throughout the year in addition to its two‑day fall festival, with many performances free and open to the public.

Unlike a single venue, the festival functions as a network. Festival President Ruth Griggs said partnerships with a wide range of venues have allowed live jazz to reach new audiences.

Performances now take place not only in traditional music spaces, but also in museums, restaurants and other locations throughout the city.

Griggs said live music has seen a strong comeback across the region since the COVID-19 pandemic, and she expects that growth to continue, though funding remains a concern.

“One threat would be state and federal funding cuts or too many organizations competing for the same fundraising dollars,” Griggs said. “At the same time, cities are seeing how the arts bring visitors, support local businesses and add life to downtowns.”

The festival works closely with the city of Northampton to draw visitors downtown and create a welcoming atmosphere.

The festival showcases performers ranging from world‑class, Grammy‑winning musicians to high school students from Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School. Griggs said that range gives students, local musicians and regional performers a chance to share the stage while introducing audiences to a wide spectrum of talent.

She said the festival also supports Northampton’s economy and spirit by bringing visitors, energy and live jazz downtown. “Live music lifts people’s spirits in a way that’s hard to measure but easy to feel,” she said.

The festival’s core remains its two‑day event, scheduled this year for Sept. 25 and 26, but it has expanded through partnerships with venues including The Iron Horse in Northampton, and The Drake and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.

It also has partnered with the Downtown Northampton Association to bring live jazz into restaurants during the city’s monthly Arts Night Out. Some of those venues do not usually host jazz, Griggs said, which helps introduce the music to new audiences.

She pointed to a performance last year at The Drake by pianist Sean Mason, who was playing in Western Massachusetts for the first time.

“People came up to him afterward and said they wanted to hear more,” Griggs said. “That kind of response showed us the value of bringing musicians here when we have the chance.”

Griggs said Northampton’s location makes it an easy stop for musicians already touring in Boston, including an upcoming April 12 performance by the band Civil Disobedience at The Iron Horse, added after the group was invited to Amherst College for workshops and classes.

While the festival has grown, challenges remain. Smaller restaurant spaces — especially in winter — can limit bookings, and fundraising requires constant reinvention.

As the organization marks its 15th year, Griggs said it is rethinking its approach with help from a new board member who works professionally in fundraising.

Griggs said continued collaboration will be critical as communities look for ways to bring people together.

“Music brings people out of their homes and reminds them there is still joy,” she said. “Musicians reflect the times we’re living in, and being in the presence of live music is incredibly healing.”