Supporting the Community at Berks Arts Council!

201 Washington Street, #523, Reading 610-898-1930

Justin Heimbecker joined Berks Arts as Executive Director in May 2021 and describes his beginnings there as an interesting time to join an organization with a significant focus on live events. Berks Arts was challenged by the pandemic during the previous years, and Heimbecker jumped into action in his new position just before a flurry of activity and the return to live, in-person events began.

As Heimbecker explains, the mission of Berks Arts is to Inspire, Engage, and Unite the community through the arts. Although he says that mission comes across in a variety of ways, the heart of the organization is the support of the community, both economic and otherwise, through unique collaborations to provide a thriving art scene.

How can people get involved at Berks Arts? “Berks Arts relies on the support of so many individuals and businesses in and around our shared community,” Heimbecker says. “We have more than 300 volunteers to make it all happen, in addition to donors, corporate sponsors, foundation support, government support, and so much more. We like to say that you can give Time, Treasure, or Talent – or all 3 – to help us fulfill our mission.”

Any support is appreciated, according to Heimbecker, and he asks that interested volunteers contact Berks Arts at info@berksarts.org. “There is always room for more enthusiasm and energy for the arts,” he says.

What makes you proud about your organization? “I am proud of the people who are so committed to the continued and ongoing success of our programs and initiatives. We are fortunate to have thousands of people who support our efforts in a variety of ways, and they are the reason that we are able to be successful. Our organizational success is a direct result of their care and support.”

If you could choose another Avenues business where you could work for a day, what would you choose and why? “I love my job – that’s an impossible question to answer! I also love coffee, so maybe a coffee shop on the Avenue would be a good alternative.” Justin Heimbecker, Executive Director of Berks Arts Council

More Talk of Town Stories on Page 14.