Submitted by The Bedford Cultural Council
The Bedford Cultural Council grant cycle for FY24 is now open and the BCC seeks applications from interested individuals and organizations for funding.
Eligible projects include a wide range of artistic projects and activities in and around Bedford — including festivals and performances; lectures and workshops; arts education and enrichment programs for children and adults; nature, science, and environmental education projects; and projects celebrating local history and cultural diversity. First-time applicants are given priority in grant decisions.
People of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations are encouraged to apply for projects that will enhance Bedford as a community. Funding for the grants comes from the Mass Cultural Council with the Select Board also allocating funding.
As the Select Board’s liaison to the BCC, Emily Mitchell noted that “Bedford has a long history of community arts and culture, and the Bedford Cultural Council is an integral partner in bringing innovative and inclusive programs to the Town through its annual grant program. The Select Board strongly encourages individuals and community groups to apply for FY24 grants to continue Bedford’s rich tradition of cultural and educational opportunities.”
“As a former BCC Chair, I’m always proud to see the amazing work that the Cultural Council supports. The dedication of the BCC volunteers exemplifies the best of Bedford. I encourage everyone involved in the arts and humanities to apply and take advantage of this incredible resource,” said Bedford’s State Representative Ken Gordon.
“The Council works hard to encourage people in the community to apply for grants, then is put to the task of applying limited resources to fund worthwhile projects,” said Bedford’s State Senator Mike Barrett. “These grants ensure that Bedford’s wealth of cultural groups will continue to thrive.”
Previously funded projects include such popular programs as:
- South Asian Association of Bedford: Holi and Diwali celebrations
- Bedford Mothers Out Front: Pumpkin smash
- Friends of Job Lane House: Student docent program and Family Field Day
- Bedford Free Public Library: Traveling maker space
- Lane Elementary: Lobby Math & Science Corner
- Sarah Scoville: Bedford Utility Box Murals
- Bedford Historical Society: “The Preservationist,” mailed to all addresses in Bedford
The application is completely electronic, straightforward, and relatively easy to complete. Bedford funding priorities, local guidelines, and information are available online at https://www.bedfordma.gov/cultural-council and www.mass-culture.org/Bedford. The online application is available at https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.
If you want to learn more about the online application and process, the Massachusetts Cultural Council is hosting an information session on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. You can register for this webinar at: https://massculturalcouncil.org/event/how-to-apply-for-a-local-cultural-council-grant/
More detailed information on the grant process can be found at: https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/
For further information, please email the Bedford Cultural Council
([email protected]) or contact Barbara Purchia at [email protected] or 781-275-2464.
The Bedford Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.
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