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 Art in August, Authorfest, the Just a Minute Film Festival, a film about Col. Winchester, concerts on the Common and at Wright-Locke Farm, a classical Indian dance performance, and arts programming in schools.

The deadline for applications is October 15, 2018. Funding decisions will be made and applicants notified by mid-January 2019.

Note that:

• Applicants may be individuals; incorporated private nonprofit organizations; unincorporated associations (a group of individuals) with a nonprofit objective; public schools, libraries, or other municipal agencies; and religious organizations (for cultural programming that is available to the general public and does not have the effect of advancing religion).
• Projects must be in the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences, provide a public benefit (generally should be open to the public), and be non-discriminatory.  
• Grant funds received from a Local Cultural Council may not be used to purchase food or beverages.
• Grant projects must take place during the calendar year for which the grant is given (i.e., during 2019).
• If the project's budget is greater than $500, other sources of funding or in-kind donations should be equal to or greater than the amount requested of WCC, and those sources must be documented in the application.

More program details can be found on the Massachusetts Cultural Council website. 

All applications are submitted online; click the following link to access the online application.

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

Downtown Winchester will be sparking on the evening of Thursday, August 23, when there will be meet-the-artist receptions at four separate businesses. Come to ClarkCare to see Muriel Crum; to Edward Jones to meet ceramic artist Petra Riemans-Rinsma; to Pairings to meet photographer Robert Hesse, jewelry maker Wendy Jo New, and fused glass artist Debbie Taylor-Smith; and to The Book and Board to speak with painter Lynn Ricci and photographer Dafna Leonard.

On Thursday, Aug.16 from 6 to 8 p.m., receptions hosted by three Winchester businesses will feature artists Christa Bennett, Dan Brenton, Denise Konicek, Betty Stone, and Kiyomi Yatsuhashi. It's a great opportunity to meet the artists, admire their creations, and discover more about how and why they create their work.

The first "meet the artist" receptions of Art in August 2018 take place on Thursday, August 9 from 6 pm to 8 pm. These receptions are where you can learn more about the artists, ask questions about their work, and possibly see more of what they have to offer.

The celebration of Art in August at the Griffin Museum included some true works of art from the fields of Winchester's Wright-Locke Farm. The farm provided gorgeous floral arrangements that showcased the beauty of nature in creative ways, and drew the admiration of all.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend these events in the Summer and Fall of 2018, all supported by grants from the Winchester Cultural Council!

★ The Family Farm Night Music Series at Wright-Locke Farm, June and July 2018 (6 Thursday Nights), from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Note that these outdoor concerts might be canceled in case of inclement weather. June 14: Ten Penny Ransom; June 21: Sorry Honeys; June 28: Karen K & the Jitterbugs (rained out); July 5: Miss Ellaneous;  July 12: Ben Rudnick & Friends; July 19: Hank Wonder. August 2: Karen K & the Jitterbugs (rescheduled!)

★ Family Concert on the Winchester Common with Roger Tincknell, August 8, 2018, presented by the North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network

★ "Generations of Fun: A Grandparents' Day Celebration" with storyteller and singer Davis Bates at the Jenks Center on September 9, 2018. All grandparents, grandchildren, and their friends are invited.

★ Folktale Puppet Shows: "Immigrants, Past and Present" on the Winchester Common at "International Day at the Farmer's Market", September 29, 2018, presented by the Ethnic Arts Center.

★ The Mass. Memories Road Show comes to Winchester on October 20, 2018. Sponsored by the  Winchester Archival Center; specific details are forthcoming.

The Winchester  Cultural Council has awarded $5,583 in LCC grants to 10 individuals and organizations for 2018. The funded projects expand cultural opportunities for Winchester’s young students and senior citizens, help Winchester residents hear distinguished local performers, and use art to celebrate and strengthen our community. Projects include a documentary film, "The Greening of Winchester"; two special events at the Jenks Center; a classical Indian dance performance in the fall; the Family Farm Night Music Series at Wright-Locke Farm on summer Thursday nights; a family concert on the Common by by Roger Tincknell; special puppet shows at the Farmer's Market's International Day in September; arts enrichment programs for children at Lincoln School and those attending after-school programs; and the Mass. Memories Road Show on October 20.

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.