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 (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:

• WAC’s 2020 Funding Priorities Survey is live through September 7, 2020. The survey is used to gather community input on arts and culture in Worcester. The answers directly impact how WAC allocates its grant funds.

• There are currently two open seats on the Council. Those interested in serving can learn more or apply any time. Applicants are considered on a rolling basis.

• WAC’s 2021 grant application will be open October 1, 2020 through  November 16, 2020. The Council will also be hosting a grant workshop to assist those interested in applying for Fellowship or Project grants. More details will be announced soon.

• WAC is actively working with the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development office and other local arts and cultural organizations to plan the Worcester Book Festival, which was originally slated for April 2020 but has been postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.

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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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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Announcing a new source of one-time funding for individuals working in the creative sector whose income has been negatively impacted by public safety measures surrounding COVID-19.

WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester Cultural Coalition, in partnership with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is addressing the acute and long-term needs of arts and culture workers and nonprofits, through a modest grant program.

The Worcester Creative Relief Fund will award grants in the amount of $500 to artists who live or work in Worcester and have had their creative practices and incomes adversely impacted by COVID-19. The Fund is designed to support Worcester artists of all types (visual, performing, design, etc.) who have been financially impacted by event/gig cancellations, the inability to exhibit their work/book shows, and/or have lost revenue from their day jobs being eliminated due to COVID-19.

Apply Now

“In Worcester and across the world, workers in the arts and cultural sector already functioning on thin margins have reported increasing pressure,” said Erin Williams, Executive Director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. Local, national, and international authorities have established strict guidelines in order to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the virus through banning large gatherings. These guidelines have resulted in the temporary closure of institutions and venues, and cancelled performances, shows, events, and classes. Further, many artists supplement their incomes with part time jobs, often in the service industry, which has also been hit hard by these guidelines.

“Arts and culture have long been an important component of life in Worcester and beyond. We’re proud to support our area’s vibrant culture in good times, and we have a responsibility to not just our creative sector, but to the community at large, to ensure the creative sector can survive these uncertain times,” Williams noted. “It has been inspiring to see our community transcend adversity, innovating how we can connect through an active embrace of creative arts and culture. Through these expressions, we’re engaging despite physical distance, which is a testament to the power of culture!”

The Worcester Creative Relief Fund has been established to meet immediate needs for individual artists as defined below.  Applications will be accepted online until April 8 at 5pm. The Worcester Cultural Coalition will convene a panel to review applications and make recommendations. These efforts are in line with long-term plans to protect and support the creative sector in Worcester.

Eligibility
The Worcester Creative Relief Fund is focused on current loss of income, providing relief for artists who live or work in Worcester, with a limit of one grant awarded per applicant and priority given to lower-income artists. Worcester Arts Council 2020 grant recipients are not eligible for this award.

The Worcester Creative Relief Fund is open for, but not limited to, the following uses:

• Recouping financial losses due to cancelled events, including but not limited to:
  • Performances in all performing arts discipline
  • Readings, panels, or speaking opportunities
  • Classes, workshops, or demonstrations
• Reimbursement for creative work expenses which have already been paid, including but not limited to:
  • Cancelled conferences or convenings which cannot be refunded
  • Artist Residencies
  • Touring
• Offset loss of income for teaching artists who experienced loss of income due to cancelled classes and/or school closures
• Support for artists working full or part-time in the service industry who have lost supplemental income used to support their creative practices.

Application Cycle
Applications will be accepted from Wednesday, April 1 through Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. The application may remain open, or reopen at a later time, if need remains and funds have not been exhausted.

Grant Award Criteria
Grants are one-time payments of $500. For an application to be considered, applicants must provide the following:

• A 100-word summary of personal financial hardships due to COVID-19,
• Evidence of lost opportunity/income due to COVID-19. This may be a cancelled contract or letter of validation from a local nonprofit/civic leader, venue host, employer or gig organizer. In leu of a formal contract, this may be in the form of an email from an authorized agent of the 3rd party,
• A completed W9, and
• Proof of residence, for example a recent utility bill, paycheck, or bank statement.

Complete applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2020 and can be submitted through Google Drive.

For questions or concerns, the public may contact the City of Worcester Cultural Development Office: culture@worcesterma.gov or 508-799-1400 x 31414.

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What: The Worcester PopUp is seeking submissions for the next Worcester Windows Exhibit. “Clothing, Culture, Armor!” will showcase the clothing that defines you and the communities you identify with, whether born or chosen. The clothing and costumes we choose to wear relate directly to the aspects of ourselves we hope to either showcase or protect. What do you value? How does that present in the clothing you wear? We want to hear the stories of your clothing, culture, and armor. Let’s bring people together through the art of personal expression.

How: For consideration please email info@worcesterpopup.org  with “Worcester Windows, Clothing, Culture, Armor” in the subject line. Include a separate JPG for up to 3 pieces along with a brief one paragraph statement describing what they mean to you and your sense of personal/cultural identity. If included, you’ll have the opportunity to expand on your artist statement.

When: Open call period will extend to November 23rd, artwork will be collected after the submission period closes. Exhibition period is December 2019 to January 2020.

Where: Items will be on display on several levels of City Hall, The Worcester PopUp at the JMAC, and in the street side windows of several theater district businesses.

Send Submissions to: info@worcesterpopup.org

For inquiries:

Hank von Hellion

Worcester PopUp at the JMAC

Managing Director

(508)-304-8188

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Funding Available for the Arts and Culture!

Worcester, MA- Worcester Arts Council (WAC) is now accepting grant applications for its 2020 funding cycle. The deadline for all grant applications is October 15, 2019.  Based on community input received during 2019, WAC will give preference to community projects in the following categories:

• Children’s Programs
• Performing Arts
• Public Art

However, all projects within the realm of arts, sciences and humanities will be considered.  WAC will accept grant applications from the following: individuals, non-profit organizations, associations that can establish a non-profit objective, schools, libraries and other public agencies.

WAC will be offering two types of competitive grants in 2020: Project Grants and Fellowship Grants.

Fellowship Grants are awarded to assist artists, scholars and literary persons in developing and exploring their work outside the structure of a specific project or presentation. Two Fellowship grants will be awarded in 2020 in the amount of $5,000. Through these grants, WAC intends to honor innovative individuals who 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.

Project Grants are offered to encourage Worcester County individuals or organizations to develop projects and programs that are innovative, collaborative in nature, provide a public benefit, reach under-served populations and demonstrate artistic excellence. All projects must occur within the city of Worcester within the 2020 calendar year.

To download a copy of the 2020 guidelines and the applications please visit: http://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/grants

To use the new online Application visit https://www.mass-culture.org/Worcester

Online Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2019.

Paper Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered by October 15, 2019.

For a full a description on how to submit, review the 2020 guidelines online at: http://www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/34/b0/34b0a37a0b0a717e90bd7b6d0556cc43/2020-grant-guidelines.pdf

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: http://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/grants.

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: https://massculturalcouncil.org/about/

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The City of Worcester is now accepting proposals from artists and designers for the creation of benches and bicycle racks for the Main Street Reimagined project and the creation of art panels for the first phase of the Worcester Wayfinding project. The themes of creativity, innovation and revolution will be the focal point of artistic storytelling along Main Street.

The City will host an optional local informational meeting for artists on Wednesday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m., at the Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin Street. The purpose of the meeting is to review the RFP requirements and process.

The City of Worcester’s Executive Office of Economic Development and Department of Public Works & Parks (DPW&P), in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition, has been working with the Urban Culture Institute to incorporate placemaking, cultural economic development and the arts into the Main Street Reimagined and Worcester Wayfinding projects. These efforts will bring the history of Worcester to life through artistic expression and build on the momentum of the soon-to-be adopted Worcester Cultural Plan.

Call for Main Street Reimagined Bench and Bicycle Rack Design Proposals

Main Street Reimagined complements the $11 million reconstruction of Worcester’s Main Street as a Complete Street. The intent of Main Street Reimagined is to supplement the new streetscape with custom functional public art installations to add interest to and activate the public space. The City seeks proposals for benches and bicycle racks that will reflect elements of Worcester’s history, culture and community in imaginative and interesting ways.

Call for Worcester Wayfinding District Identifier Artwork Design Proposals

The first phase of the Worcester Wayfinding project is intended to provide a system of place-making signage that emphasizes district identification and incorporates public art that welcomes visitors and promotes the city’s rich culture. Public art is an integral component of the Wayfinding Plan, and the City seeks artwork for 14 District Identifier wayfinding signs. The installations will feature art panels that explore and reflect Worcester’s history, culture and community in creative and interesting ways.

The Requests for Proposals (RFPs) 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 and the New England region are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to submit proposals for both projects is 10 a.m. on Friday, June 28. The complete RFPs, including the anticipated project schedules, may be found at: http://www.worcesterma.gov/finance/purchasing-bids/bids/open-bids.

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