Art in August is here! For over twenty years, Winchester businesses and artists have collaborated to turn the downtown area into an arts colony during the month of August. The festival has now begun for the summer of 2025.

Throughout the month, creations of local artists will be on display in windows and inside stores in downtown Winchester. In addition, be sure to visit the meet-the-artist receptions on Thursday evenings.

This year's festival will also see the return of Art in the Park on Saturday, August 16, 2025, a full day of arts activities on the Common at the Winchester Farmers' Market.

Now available:

Winchester's utility box art program completed its second year in 2024 with seven artists decorating boxes throughout town, under the sponsorship of the Winchester Cultural Council. The art brings a touch of beauty to what had been a utilitarian street object and gives these local artists a showcase for their creativity and skill. The artists are Teri Coté, Livi and Deb DePeter, Mary Garrity, Kristine Kamikawa, Holly Khalil, Olivia and Jennifer Warner, and Kiyomi Yatsuhashi.

The Winchester Cultural Council awarded $12,055 for 15 grants as part of the annual grants program for 2025. Funding for these grants came from the annual Local Cultural Council funding program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and from the citizens of Winchester, through the Town of Winchester's own budget. Following is a list of the grants, in roughly chronological order.

The Winchester Cultural Council announces a new year-round program of small grants ($50 to $300). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Decisions are normally made within four weeks of the application being filed, and funding can be received shortly thereafter. A micro grant could be suitable for a small art project, performance, or speaker, or to help fund an event that takes advantage of a time-sensitive opportunity that arises during the year.

Microgrants are open to all Winchester residents and Winchester-based organizations; funded projects must benefit the public, just like the annual Mass Cultural Council-funded grants. Full rules and a link to the application are on the Microgrant Information Page.

Note that grants are offered subject to funding availability, which might change during the year.

 

The Winchester Cultural Council is in need of new members for the coming year. Cultural Council members are volunteers who are appointed by the town's Select Board; love of the arts is important, but no special skills are required. The Council meets monthly, gives cultural grants annually, and provides many opportunities to enrich our town. Click to read more!