Deadline: 16-Nov-20
The Worcester Arts Council is accepting applications for the Arts & Culture Grants Program from individuals and organizations and is one of the few local councils in the Commonwealth.
The Worcester Arts Council receives an annual appropriation of state funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and makes these funds available to the community through competitive grant programs.
Grants are issued to support arts, humanities, interpretive sciences, visual artists, performing artists, science educators, historians and other humanists; as well as community, business and civic groups, social service organizations, schools, neighbourhood centres, and youth, senior and family associations.
Each year the Worcester Arts Council seeks public input though a Funding Priorities Survey. Responses inform WAC as to the types of projects most important to the community.
Funding Priorities
Based on community input, WAC voted on its FY21 funding priorities during the September 2020 meeting. The official WAC Funding Priorities for FY21 are:
- Project Categories – Projects that focus on Public Art, Arts Education & Instruction, Children’s Programs and Musical Performances.
- 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.
Grant Opportunities
WAC accepts applications for two types of grants:
- Project grants assist in the development of projects and programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
- Fellowship grants assist individuals in developing their work outside the structure of a specific project or presentation.
Applicants may submit multiple applications, including one Fellowship application and one or more Project applications. Separate applications must be submitted for each proposed project, and no entity will receive more than one award.
Eligibility Criteria
Project Grants
- Individuals, artists, artist groups, arts and cultural organizations, community organizations, nonprofit organizations, associations that can establish a non-profit objective, public schools, libraries, and other municipal agencies are eligible to apply. Organizations and fiscal agents must have tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For detailed eligibility descriptions.
- Project grant applicants must maintain a residential, commercial, or studio address in Worcester County. Post Office boxes do not meet this requirement and are not allowed.
- Requirements
- Applicants must demonstrate a tangible benefit to Worcester citizens.
- All projects must occur within the City of Worcester within the 2021 calendar year.
- Applicants can request funds for field trips for groups of children (grades pre-K through 12) affiliated with schools (public, non-profit, religious, and home schools), afterschool and out of school programs, neighbourhood/community centers, or civic organizations located in the City of Worcester. Field trips may be to destinations in or outside of the City of Worcester but must originate in Worcester. Approved expenses include transportation costs and admission for students and chaperones, at a ratio of 1 chaperone per 10 students. Meals will not be covered. The trip must also satisfy MCC guidelines.
- Applicants can request funds for capital expenditures. WAC will not fund capital expenditures for schools, libraries, local cultural councils, municipal agencies, and religious organizations. Capital expenditures for eligible organizations or individuals must be for a one-time or special need clearly justified by a longer-term public benefit. Applicants requesting funding for a capital expenditure must submit the Capital Expenditure Supplemental Questions form along with their application.
- For projects that have been funded previously, WAC strongly encourages adding a new element to the project plan.
Fellowship Grants
- Artists in any creative discipline.
- Applicants must maintain a residential, commercial, or studio address in the City of Worcester. Post Office boxes do not meet this requirement and are not allowed.
- Preference is given to applicants who have not previously been awarded a WAC Fellowship.
- Requirements
- WAC fellows must have a presentation or exhibition during the grant year in which they receive an award. In-person presentations/exhibitions must take place in the City of Worcester to meet this requirement. Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, virtual presentations or exhibitions are also acceptable. WAC will help fellows develop a manageable project for the upcoming year. Fellows are not obligated to use their fellowship award to fund this requirement.
For more information, visit http://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/grants