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!

The first-ever Winchester utility box art program is now on display throughout the town. Five artists, under the sponsorship of the Winchester Cultural Council, painted seven utility boxes over the summer of 2023. 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 Adam Adkison, Mary Grassi, Lucia Rubini, Meghan Sheehan, and Joyce Westner.

On October 5, 2023, the Massachusetts Cultural Council shared the following list of six grant programs that offer support to cultural creators throughout the year. We encourage everyone to consider applying for a Winchester Cultural Council grant (deadline Oct. 17, part of the Local Cultural Council grant program), but you might also find one of these programs to be a great fit.

Programs might be open for individuals or organizations, where "organizations" may include cultural organizations, non-profits, schools, cities/towns, unincorporated groups or collaboratives, for-profits, etc. Visit the program guidelines for detailed eligibility information and to apply.

Artists are invited to submit proposed designs for decorations of designated utility boxes in Winchester. If approved, they will be able to create their design and receive a stipend of $350.

To apply, use the online form. Deadline for submission is the end of the day on June 3, 2023. Following that deadline, the proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee for artistic quality, suitability for the location, and durability/sustainability. The art should enliven the area, beautify the street and reflect the neighborhood or area where box is located. Decisions are announced within two weeks of the submission deadline. Artists will then have two months to realize their design, with extensions of the completion date available on request.

Post-deadline applications may be accepted at the discretion of the WCC. Projects not completed within the designated time may be considered for assignment to other artists.

The Winchester  Cultural Council has announced the awarding of $22,500 in grants in 2023 for 17 projects by 15 different individuals and organizations. The awards represent the largest total giving by the WCC in its 42-year history. This level of support was made possible by an increase in state funding together with strong support for culture and the arts from the town of Winchester. Grant projects and recipients are listed below.

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!

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Some guidelines for slide creation:

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.