APPLY NOW for a Grant! Deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024

WCC October grants poster

The Winchester Cultural Council invites applications from organizations, schools and individuals of all ages for grants that support cultural activities in the community. Those activities can include performances, workshops, lectures, exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies, historical preservation, or other artistic projects and activities in Winchester.

Projects should have a local sponsor; local artists and performers are especially encouraged to apply. Past programs supported by WCC grants include Porchfest, Art in August, public art in the Cultural District and along the Riverway, Authorfest, the Just a Minute Film Festival, movies documenting Winchester's history, concerts on the Common and at Wright-Locke Farm, a performance of songs by Rabindranath Tagore, and arts programming in schools.

The deadline for applications is October 16, 2024. Funding decisions will be made and applicants notified by mid-January 2025. Details are on the grants page; see also the list of previous years' grants.

For more information, please write us at info@winchesterculturalcouncil.org

Winchester Open Studios is Saturday, November 23, 2024

Winchester Open Studios flier

Winchester Open Studios will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024. This year is the second edition of the town-wide cultural exhibition and marketplace. Last year's Open Studios included over 50 exhibitors in 10 locations; this year's promises to be even larger. Sponsors include the Indoor Farmers' Market at the Jenks Center, the Winchester Unitarian Society, the First Congregational Church, Studio on the Common, the Griffin Museum, and several others.

Winchester Open Studios is coordinated by the Winchester Cultural District's "Arts Winchester" and is supported by a grant from the Winchester Cultural Council. Registration for artists and craftspeople will be accepted through mid-October.

For complete details, and to get involved, see the event's web page at winchesterculturaldistrict.org/winchester-open-studios-2024.html.

Winchester Cultural Council Announces 2024 Grants

The Winchester Cultural Council awarded $16,275 in grants for 2024 to 16 individuals and organizations.  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.

Wedgemere Station Kiosk - Send us your events!

Wedgemere kiosk welcome flier   Wedgemere kiosk Town Day flier

At the Wedgemere MBTA station, the Winchester Cultural Council has placed a video monitor in the window of the former coffee shop on the inbound side with announcements and information about Winchester. The display can be seen by anyone riding the commuter rail between Winchester and Boston.

Organizations and individuals are welcome to submit an electronic flier with information of general public interest for posting on the video display. Just write to info@winchesterculturalcouncil.org. Fliers should be non-commercial in nature and may advertise an event or an opportunity for public involvement. There is no charge for display.

This is a low-cost pilot project that might lead to similar kiosks elsewhere.

Comments and suggestions are welcome!

Some guidelines for slide creation:

Winchester Cultural Council Micro-Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

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.

 

Join the Cultural Council!

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!