WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its FY27 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15, 2026.

As part of a statewide network of Local Cultural Councils (LCCs), WAC receives funding through Mass Cultural Council (MCC) annually. For FY27, WAC will once again award thousands of dollars to local arts and cultural programs in Worcester, including individuals, nonprofits, associations with an established nonprofit objective, schools, libraries, and other public agencies.

This year, MCC is awarding WAC $244,500 for its grants. The Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF) has also renewed its support for an additional $15,000 toward WAC Fellowship Grants.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Mass Cultural Council and Greater Worcester Community Foundation, whose significant investments in Worcester’s creative sector allow us to continue putting resources directly into the hands of our artists, cultural organizations and creative community,” said Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks. “When we fund the arts, we invest in the people and ideas that give our city its character, tell our stories, and bring our communities together. Sustained investment in creativity is essential to ensuring Worcester continues to grow as a vibrant arts city where bold ideas can take root and thrive.”

WAC offers two types of grants: Project Grants and Fellowship Grants.

Project Grants: Assist in the development of projects and programs in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. Applicants must demonstrate a tangible benefit to Worcester citizens. All grant applicants must maintain a residential, commercial or studio address in Worcester County. All WAC-funded projects must occur within Worcester.

Fellowship Grants: Assist individuals in developing their work outside the structure of a specific project or presentation. Artists in any discipline may apply. All Fellowship applicants must maintain a residential, commercial, or studio address in Worcester.

“Supporting artists is essential to a vibrant and life-giving culture,” said Worcester Arts Council Chair Chris Michelotti. “These grants are one of many resources the council provides to our amazing community of artists that bring so much joy to the greater Worcester area. I am proud that the council is filled with passionate people who continue to serve this city by uplifting all the diverse voices currently within it and those to come.”

While all projects within the realm of arts, sciences, and humanities will be considered, based on the feedback received from the Worcester community through its annual Funding Priorities Survey, WAC will give preference to grant applicants and projects that align with the following priorities for FY27:

• Projects that focus on Arts Education & Instruction, Public Art, Musical Performances, and programs for all age groups from children to seniors.
• Projects that elevate the voices and experiences of historically marginalized groups to highlight the current and historical diversity of Worcester. Projects should create opportunities for artists and community members through a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility lens.
• Projects that take place in/or benefit areas of Worcester that are historically underserved.

WAC’s FY27 Grant Guidelines and instructions on how to apply can be found at: Arts & Culture Grants | City of Worcester, MA (worcesterma.gov)

All applications must be submitted online by Oct. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted. WAC will review all grant applications from November through December 2026. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by late January 2027. There will be a virtual grantee workshop hosted by MCC on Sept. 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. Register here: MCC Registration

WAC will also host a virtual Grant Workshop on Zoom for potential applicants. WAC encourages anyone who may be interested in learning more or applying, especially first-time applicants, to attend. Follow @worcesterartscouncil on Instagram for announcement details.

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WORCESTER, MA – On Thursday, May 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., there will be an opening reception for “Uniquely Worcester: Exploring Worcester’s Past and Present” at the Jean McDonough Arts Center.

Supported by the City of Worcester, Worcester Cultural Coalition, and Worcester Redevelopment Authority, this exhibit brings together ten talented artists who have created window installations in the Denholm Building to honor the aspects of the city’s vibrant history, “past to the present”. Curated by Melissa Mattson, the featured artists are Sammi Bosque, Anneliese Place, Christian Bachez, Elis Ortiz, Maria Calderon, Samantha “Goose” Marcone, Caitlyn “Cait the Clown Papa, Cybill Reese, Abu Mwenye and Bridie Wolejko.
Each of the magnificent display windows on the ground floor of the Denholm Building has a different theme. The window themes are: Historic figures, music, sports, culture, entertainment, performance, visual arts, and science and innovation. The featured artworks will be on display throughout 2026.

The Denholm Building, an iconic New England retailer endearingly referred to as Denholms, is located at 484 Main Street, directly across from City Hall. Though it closed in 1973, Denholms held a 103-year legacy as Massachusetts’ largest department store outside Boston.

The Worcester Cultural Coalition welcomes five new board members to its Board of Directors. Each selected board member demonstrates passion for the arts, leadership and a commitment to collaboration. Board members play a vital role in shaping the vision and direction of the arts and culture in our community. Bord members attend bi-monthly board meetings, contribute to active discussions and decision making and bring a collaborative spirit to strengthen and support Worcester’s creative sector.  Learn more about our new board members below:

On Wednesday, May 28th, fifteen students from Worcester High School proudly unveiled Origin, a thoughtfully curated exhibition showcasing their creative vision and curatorial skills. As participants in the Future Arts Workers of Worcester program, these young artists took the lead in organizing every aspect of the show—from concept to opening night—marking a significant milestone in their artistic journeys. Read the story of their journey by Worcester Magazine

By Fei Wu | May 15, 2025 | Reading Time: 3 minutes

On May 14, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Worcester County State of the Arts Convening at the beautiful Chocksett Inn in Sterling, MA. The event was hosted by the Worcester Cultural Coalition, led by Executive Director Fabian Barracks, and Fitchburg Cultural Alliance led by Jessie Olson with the kind support of Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Featured speakers were Michael Bobbitt, the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, and Emily Ruddock, Executive Director from MASSCreative.

Through a partnership with The Prior Performing Arts Center, Kate Wheeler joined the Cultural Development Office as an intern in Summer 2024 and wrapped up her experience Spring 2025. From the very start, Kate brought unwavering dedication and focus to every aspect of her work—supporting community events, contributing to program planning, and assisting with marketing and outreach efforts. Her time with the office provided valuable hands-on experience and revealed how the arts can build community, foster connection, and serve as a meaningful career path. We’re deeply grateful for Kate’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to arts advocacy. Read on to hear Kate reflect on her internship experience.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/15/2025 3:50 pm

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division, in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the Department of Transportation and Mobility, announced Thursday the successful completion and installation of 37 new mini-murals across the city as part of the first round of the WooBox Art Project.

This citywide initiative transforms utility boxes into vibrant, eye-catching canvases that reflect Worcester’s rich history, diverse communities, and creative spirit. Through an open call in April 2024, artists and organizations from across Worcester were invited to submit original, community-inspired designs celebrating the theme of “Worcester’s Rich and Diverse Community.”

Each of the selected artists received a $750 honorarium per design. The designs were printed on protective, graffiti-resistant wraps that were installed on utility boxes throughout the city.

“Through the WooBox Art Project, we’ve created 37 new reasons to walk through Worcester with curiosity and pride,” said City of Worcester Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks. “This is just the beginning. We hope to continue this project through additional rounds until we’ve added public art to every utility box in the city.”

Submissions were reviewed by the Cultural Development Division and a group of local cultural leaders, including:

• Juliet Feibel, Executive Director, ArtsWorcester
• Penn Ruderman, Director, Office of Penn Ruderman Architects
• Ché Anderson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for City & Community Relations, UMass Chan Medical School

The project reflects Worcester’s citywide Cultural Plan, which emphasizes creative placemaking, equitable access to the arts, and investment in local artists. Five boxes are dedicated to honoring Worcester’s Poet Laureates and are located around City Hall. All utility boxes include QR codes linking to an online art map featuring the artwork and artist bios.

“It was stunning to see the variety of artists and approaches to transform mundane utility boxes into something special,” said Ruderman. “I hope it serves as inspiration for more members of the community to go for it in the next round.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the city, find the WooBox murals, and share their favorites on social media. Community members are also reminded to respect the artwork and refrain from tagging or altering the boxes.

“These pieces belong to all of us,” added Barracks. “Let’s take pride in them and do our part to preserve their beauty.”

A digital map of the WooBox locations, featured artists, and more details can be found at WooBox Art Project | City of Worcester. The municipality’s public art map can be accessed at Worcester Public Art – Google My Maps.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/06/2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Matthews, MatthewsT@worcesterma.gov

WORCESTER, Mass. – Local artists Jesse Kenas Collins, Diana Khong and Angelique B. Webster have been selected for the second summer of creative summer residencies at The Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross as part of its Scholarship in Action program HC x WCC. HC x WCC represents a three-year partnership between the College, the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) and the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Division.

A carpenter and luthier, Jesse Kenas Collins plans to film “Brightwood Strings: A Documentation of Hand-built Instruments and Their Players” while at The Prior. This project will feature footage of live performances of five handmade instruments from Middle Eastern cultures played by contemporary professional artists from related diasporas living and working in MA. The film aims to serve Collins’ mission of helping families and communities preserve and access their musical heritage through instrument restoration in order to facilitate the ability of younger generations and professionals to carry on their traditions.

Playwright/director Diana Khong’s project, “Mary Magdalene, Daughter, Boatperson,” is a two-act experimental play following three Vietnamese siblings and their coping mechanisms after the death of their mother. Khong looks forward to developing the play–inspired by historical study and lived experience–with a local Worcester cast.

Angelique B. Webster’s documentary film project, “Forged in Fire: A Legacy in Enamel,” follows Black American Worcester artist Jen Davis Carey’s practice of the ancient medium of enamel art to explore family history and celebrate Black culture. Through a series of interviews, the film follows Carey as she prepares for her first solo exhibition, uncovering personal stories and ancestral legacies that inspire her work.

By cultivating long-term relationships in Worcester, Scholarship in Action faculty, student researchers, and community stakeholders design meaningful research projects that center principles of equity, antiracism, and shared knowledge production that engage wider audiences both locally and globally. This collaborative initiative reflects the significant role that the liberal arts and the humanities play in addressing complex challenges.

In addition to the development of new artistic work, this SIA-funded project aims to create new knowledge for the field about the campus-based arts residency model. As part of the program, participants will engage in conversations and self-reflection about their residency process and experience.

These residencies offer artists the space and resources to develop their work while providing chances to engage directly with students, faculty and other local resident artists. This inclusive approach not only supports the arts but cultivates a sense of belonging and inspiration across diverse groups. Inviting the community on campus can break down barriers between academic institutions and the communities they serve, creating a hub for cultural exchange and creative collaborations.

About The Prior Performing Arts Center
The Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross is an uncommon commons for transformative experiences with the arts. With dynamic programming and striking architectural design, The Prior supports arts-based collaboration across disciplines; offers technical capabilities to ignite the imaginations of students, faculty, community members, and visiting artists alike; and provides new avenues for leveraging the positive power of the arts for broad audiences and through civic and community partnerships.

About College of the Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.

In Worcester, poetry is more than an art form—it’s a living, breathing force that captures the soul of the city. At the helm of this creative energy are two extraordinary artists: Poet Laureate Oliver de la Paz (2022-2025) and Youth Poet Laureate Serenity Jackson (2023-2025). These visionary voices don’t just write poems; they build bridges between generations, spark conversations across cultures, and turn everyday language into powerful acts of community-making. In celebration of National Poetry Month, we invite you to journey with us into the minds and hearts of Worcester’s poetic leaders as they reflect on their personal paths, creative influences, and the deeper meaning of public poetry in today’s world.