Music, theater, photography, history, art, and more—the Harvard Cultural Council’s recently announced list of grants has something for nearly everyone. The wide range of programs lives up to the council’s stated purpose: “to promote and support the vitality of the cultural resources within the Harvard community.”
The local council received $6,200 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for fiscal 2026. But, with some funds already in its treasury, the Harvard council was able to give out a total of $6,980 for the year.
The Harvard Fourth of July Celebration received the largest single award of $1,100. Fourth of July Committee Chair Christopher Chalifoux said the grant is most welcome, as three years ago the committee lost its longtime source of funding—the parking fees for fireworks at Fruitlands. An additional $500 grant went to the Harvard Town Band for its performance in the Fourth of July parade.
Grants to support musical performances also went to Linda Shoemaker for her “Ensemble Eclectica in Concert,” blending early music and jazz, and to Marcos Valles for Rockabye Beats, with music for birthday parties and classes for preschoolers. The Park and Recreation Commission got a grant for three summer concerts at the library pavilion, where listeners will be able to picnic on the grass while enjoying the music.
Visual arts projects were also supported. Arm in Arm has cultural displays and art projects at the library. Ellen Harasimowicz is planning a photographic exhibit at Fivesparks this month to celebrate the work of Harvard’s “Orchard Women,” fittingly taking place during the United Nations’ Year of the Woman Farmer. And a small grant also supports the Fitchburg Art Museum’s 90th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft.
For those interested in theater, Meredith Charles offers improvisation workshops for adults. And young drama buffs may enjoy “HONK,” a musical retelling of “The Ugly Duckling,” coming in March to the Open Door Theater of Acton, or Theater III’s summer Child’s Play production. Bob Eiland’s recent production of “2 Across” at Fivesparks also received a reimbursement grant.
The Cultural Council also made grants linked to literature and history. On the literary side, the Council on Aging will present “Irish Voices,” an actor’s interpretation of William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, and Frank McCourt. And the Devens Historical Museum received a grant for an exhibit on Camp Devens and Harvard. Also supporting historical programs was a grant to improve the audio system at the Harvard Historical Society.
A grant went to the Warner Free Lecture program to support its board’s goal of encouraging more participation from Bromfield students. And a grant to the Discovery Museum in Acton was designated for its Open Door Connections policy to increase accessibility and inclusion.
