State representative Jennifer Bensen announced this week that the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) has awarded grants totaling $42,000 to cultural organizations, schools, and communities within the 37th Middlesex District, which she represents. In a press release, Bensen said the grants were made as part of MCC’s statewide $10 million funding program, which benefits in FY14 from a $1.6 million increase to its state appropriation approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Deval Patrick in July.
Two Harvard organizations have received grants: the selectmen-appointed Harvard Cultural Council (HCC), which has been awarded $4,250 to fund local cultural activities; and the Worcester Chamber Music Society, Inc., which is based in Harvard and has received a grant of $2,500.
The Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program, which includes the HCC, is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, dispersing funds to local councils in every town in Massachusetts, according to Alice Bartram, chairwoman of HCC. The MCC runs other grant programs as well, including the STARS Residency program, which Harvard was awarded last year for the “Weaving together” mandala program at HES.
“The HCC has funded or part-funded many great programs for Harvard residents,” said Bartram. “We look forward to another year of supporting the arts in Harvard and encourage local organizations to apply.” Applications for HCC grants will be available in October.
