Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

== Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center == === Mission and Values === The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is a beacon of culture and art in the Berkshires, dedicated to enriching the community through a diverse array of performing arts. With a mission to present live performances, film, and cultural events year-round, the center has become a hub for dance, music, drama, comedy, and educational and family programs. Its commitment to showcasing both national and regional talent has made it a significant contributor to the quality of life in the area. The values of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center are deeply rooted in passion and engagement, striving to inspire and provoke audiences with exceptional artistry. Communication and connection are at the core of its operations, aiming to foster dialogue and interaction within the community through respectful conduct and transparency. The center also emphasizes teamwork and creativity, celebrating contributions and holding itself accountable to the community and each other. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center relies on donations, which are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. === History === The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center's origins trace back to 1904 when a group of businessmen, led by John H.C. Church, constructed the Mahaiwe Theater in Great Barrington, MA. The name "Mahaiwe" is derived from the Mohican term meaning "the place downstream from the Housatonic River." The theater, designed by Joseph McArthur Vance, quickly became an arts and culture landmark in the region. Throughout its history, the Mahaiwe Theater has hosted a variety of performances, from John Philip Sousa and vaudeville acts to silent films and talkies. Despite facing potential demolition in 1988, the theater was preserved as part of Great Barrington's Downtown Historic District in 1995. A significant renovation began in 2003 under the leadership of founder Lola Jaffe, who, along with a dedicated team, raised over $9 million for restoration efforts. The theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and underwent meticulous refurbishment to preserve its historic charm while modernizing its facilities. The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center was officially formed as a non-profit organization in 2002 and has since become a cornerstone of the Berkshires' cultural scene. It offers a year-round schedule of events and has a significant economic impact on the region. The center has also been recognized for its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access, participating in various initiatives to uphold these values. Lola Jaffe, the center's founding president, was instrumental in the theater's restoration and had a profound impact on the cultural life of the Berkshires until her passing in 2021. Her legacy continues through the center's ongoing efforts to bring the arts to the community and through initiatives like the Anne Levinson Fund for Experiencing the Arts, which she established with her late husband Edwin. Today, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center stands as a testament to the power of the arts to unite and inspire communities, continuing to serve as a vibrant venue for performance and education in the heart of Downtown Great Barrington.