Join the Clean Energy in the Cultural Sector 2025-2026 cohort

Join the Arts Extension Service, Clean Energy Extension and Culture Climate Strategy as we embark on the first Clean Energy in the Cultural Sector Cohort!

Become one of the leaders from eight arts and culture organizations located in Western Mass environmental justice communities who will be selected to join peers to prepare to reduce your organization's emissions and add clean energy. Receive a stipend, meet four times (required) to learn from peers and experts who will support you to create a plan to save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and become a climate leader in your community!

Conclude with an Action Plan and Opportunity Matrix that can be used for grant applications to fund key elements of your plan.  Complete the Application Form today.  Contact Dee Boyle-Clapp, dboyle-clapp@acad.umass.edu for questions. This work is possible thanks to a grant from the Mass Clean Energy Center.

Details:

Must we own our facility?
No, but you must have written landlord permission to make any resulting changes to your facility before entering the program.

How will we know if we are located in, or are serving an Environmental Justice Community?
Please check the Commonwealth's EJ Map Viewer if you are unsure. If you answer "No" to this question, your organization is not eligible to participate in the program per the funder.

What is the time commitment?
We will meet four times, twice in person in Holyoke, and twice virtual, which you can find on the Application Form.  We expect that you will meet with a small team for a visioning session, will need to gather relevant energy data (electric or heat bills if you pay directly) and will meet with a technical assistance liaison who will help you determine what energy options will work best for your needs, facility and budget limitations or permissions.

We get paid to participate?
Yes, upon participating in the meetings and completing the program, each organization will receive support that you may use to implement a vision, pay for childcare, or just repay the organization for your time.

We have no paid staff, can we join?
Sorry, but for continuity, we require that there be two staff members who can take part.  Only one needs to attend the in person or virtual meetings.

What will we get out of participating?
So much!  First, you will meet like-minded arts leaders who want to address the climate crisis, but may be limited from making change by time and expertise.  Second, you will learn much about your institution, its values and needs regarding clean energy and operations and will learn about others also on this climate change journey. Third, you will get to learn much about the process of reducing emissions, including no or very low cost alternatives that will save your organization operating money. Finally, you will work to create concrete plans and will receive an Action Plan and an Opportunity Matrix that each of our pilot participants used to obtain grants to fund part of their own clean energy projects. We expect that you will have fun, will enjoy lunch and our activities, and will have much to share!

What are the four required meeting dates?

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, in person,  in Holyoke.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 12:00 - 1:15 pm, virtual via Zoom

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 12:00 - 1:15 pm, virtual via Zoom

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, in person,  in Holyoke.