The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is pleased to announce its 2023 project grants for the cultural enrichment of the Melrose community. The MCC allocated over $19,000 in funding across 24 arts and cultural programs, including projects in the visual arts, music, theater, and dance, as well as the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences. These programs have the appeal and potential to reach the diverse population and cultures within our community—attracting adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors.
“The 39 proposals submitted this year by individuals and non-profit organizations were the most we’ve ever received, which speaks to the creative pool of local talent in our community,” say Council Co-chair Jason Webb. “We encourage the Melrose public to support these local offerings by attending the broad range of events planned throughout 2023.”
The full list of 2023 grantees and grant amounts is available at massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/Melrose. MCC grantees meet criteria laid out by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, as well as local criteria established by a 2022 Melrose community survey. The next grant cycle opens in the fall of 2023.
The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, the MCC is committed to supporting programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations and MA individuals, artists, and presenters in partnership with local organizations.
Melrose Cultural Council Seeks New Board Members in 2023
The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is also seeking three new council members to fill current vacancies.
Council members should have a demonstrated interest or record of service to the arts, humanities, or sciences. In addition to this background, the MCC is actively seeking new members with experience in the following areas: digital marketing and communications, publicity and press relations, advocacy, community outreach and engagement, graphic design, artist or event management, grant writing, and local government. The term of council membership is three years; members can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms or a total of six years. The council meets regularly on a monthly basis.
We welcome inquiries about board membership from Melrose residents with a variety of arts interests, skills, and backgrounds, as well as identities inclusive of race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual identity, ability, religion, age, education, national origin, citizenship, and ethnicity. If you are interested in finding out more, you are encouraged to email melrosecultural@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About the Melrose Cultural Council
The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, MCC is committed to supporting programs that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations, individuals, and organizers and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. We support programs across all arts disciplines—visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing—as well as projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences. Our goal is to provide financial support to a variety of projects that collectively appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community—reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors.
2023 Priorities for the Council
Our 2023 priorities are informed by an annual community outreach survey. Survey results can be found on our website: https://melroseculture.org/about We actively encourage grant proposals that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities, are favorably considered. We prioritize projects with broad public appeal and impact that are presented in a variety of accessible settings. We also give preference to projects that encourage community building, social connections, and dialog. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives, particularly those that involve young people or first-time applicants, are openly encouraged. Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded. Twenty-four grants were awarded in 2023, with the MCC disbursing more than $19,000 in grant funding. Awards typically range from $400 to $2,000.
