application Archives - WCC https://worcesterculture.org/tag/application/ Worcester Cultural Coalition Wed, 11 Jan 2023 18:03:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 https://worcesterculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cropped-worcester-cultural-coalition-logo-1-32x32.png application Archives - WCC https://worcesterculture.org/tag/application/ 32 32 Barr Foundation to Continue Funding JMAC Access Grants https://worcesterculture.org/barr-foundation-to-continue-funding-jmac-access-grants/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:01:27 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=14692 The Worcester Cultural Coalition will receive an additional $175,000 in 2023 to further expand equitable use of the Jean McDonough Arts Center. WORCESTER, MA – January 11, 2023 Thanks to a successful 2022 partnership, the Barr Foundation will continue to support the Worcester Cultural Coalition’s goal of equitable use of the Jean McDonough Arts Center […]

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The Worcester Cultural Coalition will receive an additional $175,000 in 2023 to further expand equitable use of the Jean McDonough Arts Center.

WORCESTER, MA – January 11, 2023 Thanks to a successful 2022 partnership, the Barr Foundation will continue to support the Worcester Cultural Coalition’s goal of equitable use of the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) in 2023.

“The JMAC strives to ensure that every cultural organization, large and small, can have a home in downtown Worcester,” said Eric Butler, Board President of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. “By providing creatives the resources needed to share their stories and programs with Central Massachusetts audiences, funding from the Barr Foundation has enabled the JMAC to turn its aspirational goals into reality. We are delighted that a diverse pool of presenters will continue to find a home at the JMAC through the Barr Foundation’s renewed support.””

SueEllen Kroll, Senior Program Officer for Arts & Creativity at the Barr Foundation, noted that, “artists are essential building blocks of our neighborhoods. They catalyze creativity, wonder, connection, and community. As the performing arts field rebuilds from the pandemic, we at Barr are pleased to partner with the Worcester Cultural Council to support artists in getting back to work. The JMAC has proven to be a critical cultural home and community space – especially for Worcester’s BIPOC and underserved artists – by helping artists create new work, generate income, and positively impact their community.”

The 2023 Barr donation of $175,000 will ensure the JMAC can continue to expand its equitable use efforts, which it plans to do through two initiatives:

  • Rental subsidy of the BrickBox Theater: Qualifying organizations and individuals will receive subsidized venue rental costs on a first-come-first-served basis through June 30th, 2023 or until available funds are exhausted. Staffing and other direct costs still apply. 

  • Project sponsorships: By way of a two-step application process, presenters will be selected to receive comprehensive support for a proposed project, including:
    • up to $10,000 in venue space rental and staffing cost subsidy, or
    • ​up to $15,000 in discretionary funds to pay creatives, invest in marketing, and cover other direct costs related to the event

Details and applications for 2023 Barr funding are available through JMACWorcester.org/AccessGrants. Priority will be given to individuals and groups which identify as led by, or focused on, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, such as the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, and to members of the Worcester Cultural Coalition.

A free informational session will be held at the JMAC on Thursday, January 19th from 6pm-7pm.  Registration is available at https://JMACAccessGrantsInformationSession.eventbrite.com.

Organizations and individuals awarded Barr funding in 2022 include:

  • Jennifer Gaskin and Giselle Rivera Flores Don’t Touch My Podcast
  • Flamenco Worcester FLAMENCO! Tradition, Art & Passion and Villancicos Flamencos
  • Jewish Theatre Company of Central Massachusetts My Son The Waiter
  • Broadway in Worcester Free Student Masterclass with Tony Award Winner Laura Benanti
  • Darren Cole and Missy Whiteman Coyote Way X: Expanded Cinema
  • studioXpresents Deity
  • Queer the Scene Club Kiki
  • Jean-Sebastien Duvilaire and JSDDance I am Hayti!
  • Casita Cultura Latina Dia de los Muertos Festival
  • Michael Skrzek and Jackson Jirard Woo on Tap

About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and 12 cultural organizations. In 2022, membership exceeded 80 organizations, which host over 2.7 million visitors annually, from Worcester and beyond. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active and creative engagement for all, and to promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. The WCC supports and encourages action that meets the creative goals of the Worcester Cultural Plan: promoting cultural equity and creative community engagement for all. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.

About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprising the ever-changing “permanent” PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, operated in partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. The JMAC is home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theater, dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Completion of the JMAC was made possible with the generosity of the late Jean McDonough and the McDonough family. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.

About the Barr Foundation: The Barr Foundation’s mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally, working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all students to success in high school and beyond. Founded in 1997, Barr now has assets close to $3 billion, and has contributed more than $1 billion to charitable causes. For more information, visit barrfoundation.org and @BarrFdn on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

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]]> City of Worcester Announces Search for Next Poet Laureate https://worcesterculture.org/city-of-worcester-announces-search-for-next-poet-laureate/ Thu, 22 Sep 2022 20:06:44 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=14561 WORCESTER – Acting City Manager Eric Batista, in collaboration with the City Council and Cultural Development Division, is pleased to announce the nomination process for the City’s next Poet Laureate. The next Poet Laureate’s term will begin Jan. 1, 2023. The deadline to apply or nominate is Oct. 17. More on the City of Worcester […]

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WORCESTER – Acting City Manager Eric Batista, in collaboration with the City Council and Cultural Development Division, is pleased to announce the nomination process for the City’s next Poet Laureate.

The next Poet Laureate’s term will begin Jan. 1, 2023. The deadline to apply or nominate is Oct. 17. More on the City of Worcester Poets Laureate program, including guidelines and a link to the current application, can be found at https://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/poet.

“It has been such a great honor serve as Worcester’s Poet Laureate and be an ambassador of poetry, not just in the city but in our region,” said current Worcester Poet Laureate Juan Matos, whose term ends in December. Matos began his three-year term in January 2020. “It has been a privilege to share poetry with youth and colleagues,” he said, adding that the Poets Laureate program, “opens the door for new potential writers.”

All interested in applying or nominating a qualified candidate are encouraged to join a Poet Laureate Application Workshop Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have a walkthrough of the application process and can ask questions of Cultural Development staff and current Worcester Poet Laureate Juan Matos. Register for this Zoom workshop at: https://tinyurl.com/yzcyrmb6.

Along with the Worcester Youth Poet Laureate, the Worcester Poet Laureate serves as an official ambassador to Worcester’s historic and vibrant cultures of poetry and literary arts. Both Poets Laureate use their positions to share the transformative qualities of poetry and the written word, to celebrate and amplify the city’s great writers, and to help shape the next generation of literary enthusiasts.
In addition to sharing their own poetry and creating new works during their term, the Worcester Poet Laureate also serves as a mentor to the Worcester Youth Poet Laureate. The Youth Poet Laureate is a two-year term for poets under the age of 20 to develop their craft with guidance from an experienced local adviser.

Worcester Youth Poet Laureate Adael “Ace” Mejia’s term began in January 2022. Mejia says he feels that, “the time since I was appointed Youth Poet Laureate has been full of growth and development for me,” calling it “life-changing.” Mejia noted that he has been able to present his work to a wider audience, invited to create and perform for multiple influential people, and inspired and empowered to resume his education. “As a Youth Poet Laureate, I feel like a leader,” he said, and he’s hoping the next Poet Laureate will be community-driven and take a leadership role to drive change and advocate for the arts and youth in Worcester.

“In Worcester, we are very active in terms of art,” said Matos, who shared advice for his successor: “you have to be humble. It’s not about the person, it’s about the poetry. We [poets] come and go, this role is about giving of yourself to recognize and celebrate the poetry.”

Mejia pulled from his own experience in the Youth Poet Laureate selection process to offer advice to Poet Laureate applicants: “I thought I wasn’t going to be picked because of how honest my work was – little did I know people needed that honesty. People want to hear about what’s happening, what they feel, what’s really going on. If you’re an honest poet, now is the time to put that work on display.”

A Selection Committee will review Poet Laureate nominations and make a recommendation to the City’s Cultural Development Division, who will forward to the city manager’s office for consideration. Writers with deep connections to the cultural life of Worcester will be considered for the Poet Laureate appointment, and scored based on their existing body of work, previous accomplishments, and the quality of the proposed project. More information on selection and scoring criteria can be found at https://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/poet.

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]]> Worcester Arts Council’s FY23 Grant Applications Open September 1 through October 17, 2022 https://worcesterculture.org/worcester-arts-councils-fy23-grant-applications-open-september-1-through-october-17-2022/ Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:59:07 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=14533 Worcester, MA  – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its FY23 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is October 17, 2022.  As part of a statewide network of Local Cultural Councils (LCCs), WAC receives funding through Mass Cultural Council (MCC) annually. For FY23, WAC will once again award thousands for […]

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Worcester, MA  – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its FY23 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is October 17, 2022. 

As part of a statewide network of Local Cultural Councils (LCCs), WAC receives funding through Mass Cultural Council (MCC) annually. For FY23, WAC will once again award thousands for local arts and cultural programs in Worcester to individuals, nonprofits, associations that can establish a nonprofit objective, schools, libraries, and other public agencies. This year, WAC will receive $226,600 from MCC for its grants – nearly $40,000 more than last year’s funding allocation.

“The Worcester Arts Council is excited to support local arts and culture with our Fellowships and Project Grants again in 2023, and we are grateful to have received over $226,000 in funding from Mass Cultural Council this year,” said Worcester Arts Council Chair Jennifer Riley. “There is a lot of creativity here in Worcester that is deserving of our support. This much-needed funding is vital to our creative community, and these grants make it possible for many projects, programs, and people to bring arts and culture to life across the city.”

WAC offers two types of grants: Project Grants and Fellowship Grants. Project Grants support individuals and organizations from Worcester County in developing projects and programs within the city of Worcester that are innovative, collaborative, provide a public benefit, reach under-served populations, and demonstrate creative excellence. Fellowship Grants help Worcester artists of all trades in developing and exploring their work outside the structure of a specific project.

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 FY23:

  • Project Categories | Projects that focus on Public Art, Musical Performances, Arts Education & Instruction and programs for all age groups from children to seniors.
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access (DEIA) | 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 DEIA lens.
  • Locations | Projects that take place in or benefit areas of Worcester that are historically underserved.

 

WAC’s FY23 Grant Guidelines and instructions on how to apply can be found at: https://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/grants 

All applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm October 17, 2022. Late applications cannot be accepted for any reason. WAC will review all grant applications from November through December 2022. Applicants who are denied funding will be notified by early January 2023. Applicants who are awarded grants will be notified by mid January 2023.

This year, WAC will also host two virtual Grant Workshops on Zoom to offer more flexibility for potential applicants. WAC encourages anyone who may be interested in learning more or applying, especially first-time applicants, to attend. 

 

The current Worcester Arts Council members are Jennifer Riley (Chair), Lisa Malo (Vice Chair) Brandon Lewis (Secretary), Christopher Rich (Treasurer), Silvana Boaheng, Sean Brennan, David Filar, George Sedares, and Avae Thomas Quartey.

About the Worcester Arts Council: The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is a municipal body consisting of nine members appointed by the City Manager. The Council is charged with promoting the cultural affairs of the city of Worcester and allocating funds received by the Council for cultural projects and programs. The mission of the Worcester Arts Council is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretative sciences to improve the quality of life for Worcester residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our city. The Worcester Arts Council is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information visit: www.worcesterma.gov/wac

About the Massachusetts Cultural Council: The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grant programs, partnerships, and services for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. For more information visit: www.massculturalcouncil.org

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]]> New Grant Opportunity from the Worcester Arts Council: Up to $200,000 Available for Creative Projects in Worcester https://worcesterculture.org/new-grant-opportunity-from-the-worcester-arts-council-up-to-200000-available-for-creative-projects-in-worcester/ Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:23:00 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=14409 WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting applications for Project Grants for Individuals, a new program through which WAC plans to award up to $200,000 in grants, in amounts of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000. The deadline to apply is July 10, 2022. This new grant opportunity is available thanks to an […]

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WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting applications for Project Grants for Individuals, a new program through which WAC plans to award up to $200,000 in grants, in amounts of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000. The deadline to apply is July 10, 2022.

This new grant opportunity is available thanks to an American Rescue Plan Act grant WAC received from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic. WAC was one of just 66 organizations nationwide, and only two organizations in the state of Massachusetts, to be awarded one of these NEA grants.

“The Worcester Arts Council is grateful to have received a $250,000 grant from the National Endowment from the Arts to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic. This funding will provide vital financial support to Worcester’s vibrant arts community, which has been significantly impacted over the last several years,” said Worcester Arts Council Chair Jennifer Riley.

Through this new program, WAC will award grants to individuals from Worcester County for projects that take place within the city of Worcester between August 2022 and August 2023. All grant funds must be spent, and final reporting must be submitted by, September 1, 2023. Projects must provide a public benefit, reach under-served populations, have artistic merit, and demonstrate artistic excellence.

“With our Project Grants for Individuals, the Worcester Arts Council hopes to infuse our local creative community with some much-needed funding, and see even more people and projects flourishing in Worcester,” said Riley.

While all projects in the realm of arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences will be considered, WAC will give preference to applicants and projects that align with its 2022 Funding Priorities:

  • Project Categories | Projects that focus on Public Art, Arts Education & Instruction, and Children’s Programs.

  • Cultural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | 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 who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQX, refugee, immigrant, or person living with a disability.

  • Locations | Projects that take place in or benefit areas of Worcester that are historically underserved.

These grants are intended for individuals. Organizations, non-profits, or groups are NOT eligible for these particular grants.

Full grant guidelines, including details on the application evaluation criteria and instructions on how to apply, can be found at http://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/grants.

All grant applications must be submitted online by July 10, 2022. Late applications cannot be accepted for any reason. WAC will review all applications from mid- to late July 2022. All applicants will be notified of funding decisions in August 2022.

Interested applicants who have questions are encouraged to email ArtsCouncil@WorcesterMA.gov, or attend a monthly WAC meeting, where they will be able to ask questions live. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:00pm on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sf-CsrD0pH9ZG773S_I5643boqc9UHXnK.

This new, one-time grant opportunity is separate from WAC’s regular annual grant cycle, which is made possible with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). Applications for WAC’s MCC-funded project grants and fellowships for FY23 will open September 1, 2022. Details will be posted at worcesterma.gov/wac by September 1, 2022. The Council is also currently seeking community input about the types of projects and programs it should prioritize for these FY23 grants via its annual Funding Priorities Survey at: tinyurl.com/WACSurvey2022.

The current Worcester Arts Council members are Jennifer Riley (Chair), Lisa Malo (Vice Chair), Brandon Lewis (Secretary), Christopher Rich (Treasurer), Silvana Boaheng, Sean Brennan, David Filar, and George Sedares.

About the Worcester Arts Council:

The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is a municipal body consisting of nine members appointed by the City Manager. The Council is charged with promoting the cultural affairs of the City of Worcester and allocating funds received by the Council for cultural projects and programs. The mission of the Worcester Arts Council is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretative sciences to improve the quality of life for Worcester residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our City. The Worcester Arts Council is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Visit worcesterma.gov/wac to learn more.

About the National Endowment for the Arts:

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit www.arts.gov to learn more.

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]]> Worcester Arts Council’s FY22 Grant Applications https://worcesterculture.org/worcester-arts-councils-fy22-grant-applications/ Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:11:22 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=14008 Open September 1 through October 15, 2021 Worcester, MA  – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its FY22 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2021.  As part of a statewide network of Local Cultural Councils (LCCs), WAC receives funding through the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) annually. For […]

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Open September 1 through October 15, 2021

Worcester, MA  – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its FY22 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2021. 

As part of a statewide network of Local Cultural Councils (LCCs), WAC receives funding through the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) annually. For FY22, WAC will once again award thousands for local arts and cultural programs in Worcester to individuals, nonprofits, associations that can establish a nonprofit objective, schools, libraries, and other public agencies. This year, WAC will receive over $187,000 from the MCC for its grants, representing an increase of 12.5% over last year’s funding allocation.

“The Worcester Arts Council is proud to support local arts and culture with our fellowships and project grants again in 2022, and thrilled to have received over $187,000 in funding from the Mass Cultural Council this year,” said Worcester Arts Council Chair Jennifer Riley. “There is a lot of creativity here in Worcester that is deserving of our support. These grants make it possible for many creative projects, programs, and people to blossom, and add to the vitality of our city.”

WAC offers two types of grants: project grants and fellowship grants. Project grants support individuals and organizations from Worcester County in developing projects and programs within the city of Worcester that are innovative, collaborative, provide a public benefit, reach underserved populations, and demonstrate creative excellence. Fellowship grants help Worcester artists of all trades in developing and exploring their work outside the structure of a specific project.

New for FY22, WAC will use direct granting instead of reimbursement-based granting for its project grants. In the past, project grant recipients first paid out of pocket for all expenses, then submitted a request for reimbursement. While the process worked, it also posed a potential financial barrier; it could be a challenge for some to first pay for project expenses themselves. The change to direct granting will allow project grant recipients to receive funding up front, before they’ve incurred any expenses to bring their project to life.

m>“In making the change to direct granting for FY22, the Worcester Arts Council has taken an important step toward greater accessibility to our grants,” said Riley. “We believe this change will help ease the financial burden for all who wish to apply. It’s also our hope that folx who saw reimbursement-based granting as a barrier in the past will now find they are better able to plan creative projects in Worcester and apply for our grants.”

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 FY22:

  • Project Categories | Projects that focus on Public Art, Arts Education & Instruction, and Children’s Programs.
  • Cultural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | 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 who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQX, refugee, immigrant, or person living with a disability.
  • Locations | Projects that take place in or benefit areas of Worcester that are historically underserved.

WAC’s FY22 Grant Guidelines and instructions on how to apply can be found at: worcesterma.gov/wac

All applications must be submitted online by October 15, 2021. Late applications cannot be accepted for any reason. WAC will review all grant applications from November through December 2021. Applicants who are denied funding will be notified in early January 2022. Applicants who are awarded grants will be notified by late January 2022.

WAC will also host a virtual Grant Workshop on Wednesday, September 22 from 7-8pm on Zoom. WAC encourages anyone who may be interested in learning more or applying, especially first-time applicants, to attend. Pre-register at: tinyurl.com/wacgrantworkshop

The current Worcester Arts Council members are Jennifer Riley (Chair), Brandon Lewis (Secretary), Christopher Rich (Treasurer), Silvana Boaheng, Sean Brennan, David Filar, Lisa Malo, and George Sedares. There is one open seat on the Council.

About the Worcester Arts Council:

The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is a municipal body consisting of nine members appointed by the City Manager. The Council is charged with promoting the cultural affairs of the city of Worcester and allocating funds received by the Council for cultural projects and programs. The mission of the Worcester Arts Council is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretative sciences to improve the quality of life for Worcester residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our city. The Worcester Arts Council is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information visit: www.worcesterma.gov/wac

About the Massachusetts Cultural Council:

The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grant programs, partnerships, and services for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. For more information visit: www.massculturalcouncil.org

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]]> Worcester Arts Council FY21 Project & Fellowship Grant Applications Open 10/1-12/14/2020 https://worcesterculture.org/the-worcester-arts-councils-grant-applications-for-fy21-project-fellowship-grants-are-now-open/ Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:21:00 +0000 http://wcc.avatar-development.com/?p=13074 Worcester, MA  – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its FY21 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is December 14, 2020 (originally November 16, 2020). WAC accepts grant applications from individuals and non-profit organizations, from associations that can establish a non-profit objective, and from schools, libraries, and other public agencies. […]

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Worcester, MA  – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its FY21 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is December 14, 2020 (originally November 16, 2020). WAC accepts grant applications from individuals and non-profit organizations, from associations that can establish a non-profit objective, and from schools, libraries, and other public agencies.

“WAC grants support artists, creatives, organizations, and community members across Worcester, all of whom are vital to our community,” said Worcester Arts Council Chair Yasmin Goris. “We look forward to seeing a diverse range of creative, innovative, meaningful projects from our grant applicants this year.”

The amount WAC will have available for grants this year is yet to be determined by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), as the MCC’s planning for FY21 is based on Commonwealth budgets, which are delayed due to the economic impact of COVID-19.

“It’s challenging to head into our grant cycle with uncertainty,” said Goris. “Navigating the impact of COVID-19 has been incredibly difficult for our local arts community. It’s also shown this community’s unique ability to adapt, innovate, create, and inspire, under any circumstance.”

Erin WIlliams, Cultural Development Officer for the City of Worcester added, “While we may not be sure of WAC’s total grant amount available for FY21 until later in the fall, we are certain that, now more than ever, funding for arts and culture is critical. We are committed to supporting arts culture and interpretive projects and programs which bring us together via creativity here in Worcester.”

Each year, WAC seeks community input through its annual Funding Priorities Survey. This year, there was more survey participation than ever before. While all projects within the realm of arts, sciences, and humanities will be considered, based on the feedback received from the Worcester community, WAC will give preference to grant applicants and projects that align with the following priorities for FY21 grants:

  1. Project Categories | Projects that focus on Public Art, Arts Education & Instruction, Children’s Programs and Musical Performances.
  2. Cultural Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | 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 who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQX, refugee, immigrant, or person living with a disability.
  3. Locations | Projects that take place in or benefit areas of Worcester that are historically underserved.

WAC will also host a virtual Grant Workshop via Zoom on October 7, 2020 at 7pm ET. Anyone interested in applying for a grant is encouraged to attend. Pre-register at: 

WAC offers two types of competitive grants for arts and culture in Worcester: Project Grants and Fellowship Grants.

Project Grants support individuals and organizations from Worcester County in developing projects and programs that are innovative, collaborative, provide a public benefit, reach under-served populations, and demonstrate creative excellence. All projects must take place in the City of Worcester within the 2021 calendar year.

Fellowship Grants assist artists of all trades, scholars, and literary persons in developing and exploring their work outside the structure of a specific project or presentation. Through its Fellowship Grants, WAC honors individuals who are innovative, demonstrate excellence in their field, and represent the best of Worcester’s creative community. Fellowship applicants must maintain a residential, commercial, or studio address in the City of Worcester. WAC is one of only a few Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) in Massachusetts to offer Fellowship Grants. Due to the uncertainty about its available grant funding this year, WAC may allocate from one Fellowship Grant in the amount of $2,500 up to two Fellowship Grants in the amount of $5,000 each. The number of Fellowship Grants available and the amount(s) will be determined by WAC depending on overall available funds for FY21.

The 2021 Grant Guidelines and Applications for Project and Fellowship Grants can be found on the City of Worcester website.

Apply for a grant online at: mass-culture.org/Worcester

All applications must be submitted by 3pm November 16, 2020. This year, WAC will only accept online applications. Paper applications will not be accepted. Late applications cannot be accepted for any reason.

The Council will review all grant applications November through December 2020. Applications who are denied funding will be notified in January 2021. Applicants who are awarded grants will be notified in February 2021.

The current Worcester Arts Council members are Yasmin Goris (Chair), Jennifer Riley (Vice Chair), Lisa Malo (Secretary), Mitchell Perry (Treasurer), Thomas Conroy, David Filar, Lisa Malo, and George Sedares. Those interested in serving on the Worcester Arts Council can find out more or apply at: www.worcesterma.gov/boards-commissions.

About the Worcester Arts Council:

The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is a municipal body consisting of nine members appointed by the City Manager. The Council is charged with promoting the cultural affairs of the City of Worcester and allocating funds received by the Council for cultural projects and programs. The mission of the Worcester Arts Council is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretative sciences to improve the quality of life for Worcester residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our City. The Worcester Arts Council is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information visit: www.worcesterma.gov/wac

About the Massachusetts Cultural Council:

The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grant programs, partnerships, and services for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. For more information visit: http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/about/about.asp

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]]> The Worcester Arts Council is Looking for a Local Creative to Design its New Logo in 2020 https://worcesterculture.org/the-worcester-arts-council-is-looking-for-a-local-creative-to-design-its-new-logo-in-2020/ Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:27:03 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=12753 The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is looking to redesign its logo, and is inviting Worcester-based creatives to apply to work on the project. The selected designer will receive a stipend of $1,500. Those interested can learn more or apply by September 30, 2020, at: https://airtable.com/shrGTsm2xImP4gvwR Worcester Arts Council Chair Yasmin Goris says now is the perfect time for […]

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The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is looking to redesign its logo, and is inviting Worcester-based creatives to apply to work on the project.

The selected designer will receive a stipend of $1,500. Those interested can learn more or apply by September 30, 2020, at: https://airtable.com/shrGTsm2xImP4gvwR

Worcester Arts Council Chair Yasmin Goris says now is the perfect time for WAC to rebrand.

“The mission of the Worcester Arts Council is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretative sciences to improve the quality of life for Worcester residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our City. And, there is so much energy pulsing through our creative community right now,” Goris says. “We are inspired by the way Worcester’s artists and creatives continue to grow and adapt to the times — there is a lot of passion, vibrance, and talent here. We want the WAC brand to really reflect that back to our community.”

For its logo redesign project, WAC wanted an application process that would be accessible to experienced and up-and-coming creatives alike. The online application is simple, and has flexibility for both professionals and emerging designers to share their ideas, work samples, and information. It was also important to WAC that funds for this project go directly to the local community, so only those who live in Worcester are eligible to apply.

“There are so many local creatives whose work we already admire, and we hope to get to know even more Worcester artists and designers through our logo redesign project. We are excited to see a variety of talent through our open application process — whether it’s someone who already has professional experience in logo design or someone who is just starting out,” said Goris. “First and foremost, WAC wants to work with someone who has fresh ideas and creative chops. The right person will also understand how to effectively collaborate, implement feedback, and work efficiently to deliver a great final product on time.”

WAC will review all applicants in October and make its final selection by November. The Council will then work with the selected designer to complete the logo redesign project by the end of December. WAC will roll out its new logo early next year, around the time the Council announces its 2021 grant recipients.

In addition to the logo redesign project, WAC has several other important activities underway:

 

About the Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is a municipal body consisting of nine members appointed by the City Manager. The Council is charged with promoting the cultural affairs of the City of Worcester and allocating funds received by the Council for cultural projects and programs. The mission of the Worcester Arts Council is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretative sciences to improve the quality of life for Worcester residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our City. The Worcester Arts Council is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information visit: www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/worcester-arts-council

The current Worcester Arts Council members are Yasmin Goris (Chair), Jennifer Riley (Vice Chair), Lisa Malo (Secretary), Mitchell Perry (Treasurer), Thomas Conroy, David Filar, and George Sedares. The Council currently has two vacant seats. Those interested in serving can learn more or apply any time. Applicants are considered on a rolling basis.

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]]> Mass Cultural Council & Worcester Arts Council Push Back Grant Application Dates https://worcesterculture.org/mass-cultural-council-worcester-arts-council-push-back-grant-application-dates/ Wed, 29 Jul 2020 21:00:23 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=12709 A Letter from the Worcester Arts Council – July 27, 2020 Hi Everyone – We want to give you an update on our upcoming 2021 grant cycle. Typically, the Commonwealth’s operating budget is set by July 1 each year, and the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) releases its spending plan in August. However, the MCC’s planning […]

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A Letter from the Worcester Arts Council – July 27, 2020

Hi Everyone –

We want to give you an update on our upcoming 2021 grant cycle.

Typically, the Commonwealth’s operating budget is set by July 1 each year, and the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) releases its spending plan in August. However, the MCC’s planning for Fiscal Year 2021 is delayed due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. The Legislature’s budget process is delayed this year as policy-makers work to understand the current revenue picture and potential federal aid. The State government is currently operating on a month-to-month basis.

Because of all of this, the Mass Cultural Council is delaying the Local Cultural Council (LCC) grant cycle timeline by one month. This means our local grant applications will now open on Thursday, October 1st. The deadline to submit your application will now be Monday, November 16th. 

This timeline is based on the hope that there will be a state budget in place by mid-November. If there is no budget in place at that time, the MCC may need to further adjust this timeline.

The grant allocation for Worcester will be determined after the FY21 State budget is signed into law, and the governing Council approves the Agency’s FY21 spending plan. We have no way of knowing the amount of our allocation for FY21 at this time.

We hope to have more information in September. In the meantime, we are continuing to prepare!

We’re still gathering community input through our Funding Priorities Survey. We are extending the survey deadline as well, so it will now close September 7th (Labor Day). The answers directly impact how we allocate these grant funds in Worcester, so it’s super important. It only takes about 3 minutes to complete, and you could win Bose headphones just for taking it! If you haven’t yet, you can take the survey HERE.

The Worcester Arts Council will vote on and announce our FY21 funding priorities in September.

We also have one open seat on the Council! We would love to welcome a new member in time for our grant cycle. If you’re interested or know someone who would make a great addition, find out more or apply HERE.

Finally, thank you for all your support and patience as we work together during this extraordinary year to ensure that the Worcester Arts Council can continue to help enrich our local neighborhoods with arts and culture.

If you have any questions, please get in touch any time.

Thank you!

 

Sincerely,

The Worcester Arts Council

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]]> Call to Artists: Give Me A Sign https://worcesterculture.org/call-to-artists-give-me-a-sign/ Tue, 19 May 2020 15:20:08 +0000 https://worcesterculture.org/?p=12498 Calls to Artists: Give Me A Sign The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division, in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is accepting proposals from artists and designers for the Give Me A Sign project. “The ‘Give Me A Sign’ project highlights the relationship between creative expression and mental […]

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The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division, in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is accepting proposals from artists and designers for the Give Me A Sign project.

“The ‘Give Me A Sign’ project highlights the relationship between creative expression and mental health, which is especially relevant during COVID-19,” said Deputy Cultural Development Officer Che Anderson. “Artistic and creative outlets contribute positively to our community’s well-being and have proven valuable in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.”

To provide the community with moments of inspiration, education, and optimism, the Give Me A Sign project will provide visual encouragement throughout Worcester on 12” x 18” metal signs. The Request For Qualifications on the City of Worcester website lists various inspiration for messaging including “call your grandparents,” “you can and you will,” and “tomalo con calma.”

Artists are invited to submit their qualifications until May 26 and will be notified of their selection by June 2. Once notified, finalists will have until June 9 to submit digital designs for consideration. Up to 19 designers will be selected by a committee, which will coordinate sign fabrication and place signs throughout Worcester. Honorariums in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to the creators of the designs chosen.

“With the adoption of the Cultural Plan in 2019, the City aims to share Worcester’s story through embedding art into our everyday lives,” said Erin Williams, Cultural Officer for the City of Worcester. “Worcester is committed and excited to offer 19 paid creative opportunities to artists, especially in these uncertain times.”

The Requests for Qualifications are open to all artists, artist teams, and design professionals with experience in public art design. Professionals residing in or with studio space in the city of Worcester are encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit qualifications is May 26, 2020, with installation planned for June 16, 2020. The signs are expected to be on display through at least June 2021.

Artists and designers may submit their credentials using this Google Form.

For more information, including full project details, please click here.

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