The Winchester Cultural Council presents a grant information session on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., at the Winchester Public Library, 80 Washington Street. Grants are available for any cultural project that offers a public benefit, including creation of visual art; musical or dance performances; poetry and literature; photography, film and video; historical documentation; educational programs in science and nature; and multicultural celebrations.

Available funds are at an all-time high, as both the town and the state recognize the importance of cultural activity to our community after years of health-related restrictions and the ongoing disruptions of local construction. The Cultural Council encourages ambitious proposals to enrich the cultural life of Winchester and to bring people together both in the downtown area and throughout the town.

The Winchester  Cultural Council has announced the awarding of nearly $12,000 in grants for 2022 to 14 individuals and organizations. The awards represent the largest total giving by the WCC in well over 20 years.

Grant funding was again strong thanks in part to a continuing commitment to the arts from the town of Winchester in the past year's budget: four grants were made solely using town funding. The funded projects celebrate and strengthen our community through culture and the arts, a need that has grown each year with the continued disruptions of COVID and of the impending massive construction project in the business district.

Grant projects and recipients are:

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 has awarded $9,745 in LCC grants to 13 individuals and organizations for 2021. Disruptions due to COVID-19 delayed this year's grant cycle; grant decisions were not finalized until March 1, 2021. Grant funding was again strong thanks in part to a continuing commitment to the arts from the town of Winchester in the 2020–2021 budget. The funded projects celebrate and strengthen our community through culture and the arts.

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. To apply, send a letter stating your interest to the Select Board at Town Hall.