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Framingham – Mass Cultural Council, the
independent state agency charged with supporting a vibrant cultural sector
across the Commonwealth, was joined by state, local, and cultural partners
today at the Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University to celebrate
the recipients of the Fiscal Year 2023 Cultural District Investment
Grant Program.
In total, the Council awarded $750,000 to 50 state-designated cultural
districts located in communities in every region of Massachusetts. Each
district received $15,000 to support activities and goals that encourage
its development and success, such as marketing and promotion, capacity
building, artist or vendor fees, the development or implementation of
creative community placemaking, placekeeping, or public art, collaborative
cultural policy or strategic planning processes, or community-engaged and
informed data collection and/or reporting.
“A decade ago, our partners in the Legislature asked Mass Cultural Council
to develop and administer this initiative to spur cultural and economic
activities in cities and towns of all sizes and in all regions of the
Commonwealth,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass
Cultural Council. “We are immensely proud of this powerful network that
works every day to uplift the diversity of creativity and culture living
and working in Massachusetts, and the exciting programming the districts provide
their host communities.”
Established in 2011 by an act of the state Legislature,
state-designated cultural districts drive economic growth, strengthen our
communities’ distinctive local character, and improve the quality of life
for families across Massachusetts. By supporting cultural and creative
experiences, cultural districts attract tourists and entrepreneurs, which
in turn help cities and towns develop their cultural sector and expand
their tax base. Cultural districts are walkable areas with a density of
cultural facilities, activities, and assets. They are easy-to-navigate, act
as hubs of cultural, artistic, and economic activity, and offer a
place-based identity to collaborative community initiatives.
State Representatives Jack Patrick Lewis (D- Framingham), Priscila Sousa
(D- Framingham), and Kate Donaghue (D- Westborough) joined Mass Cultural Council
at the Danforth Art Museum today, as did Susan Nicholl, who serves as
District and Special Projects Director for the Office of Senate President
Karen E. Spilka (D- Ashland) and as a member of the Board of Directors for
the Framingham Centre Common Cultural District. Framingham’s Director of
Planning and Community Development, Sarkis Sarkisian, was also in
attendance on behalf of the city.
“The Mass Cultural Council serves a vital role in supporting and expanding
the rich tapestry of traditions and cultures across our
Commonwealth,” said Representative Lewis. “It is an honor to
join Framingham leaders in hosting the Council today, as $750,000 is
awarded to cultural districts across the state, including the Framingham
Centre Common Cultural District. I’ll never forget joining the late Rep.
Chris Walsh in his office as he helped lay the groundwork for our local
cultural district. This award is a wonderful testimony to his work and the
contribution of so many in our community.”
Today’s investment, three-quarters of a million dollars, represents Mass
Cultural Council’s largest grant round in the history of the Cultural
District Investment Grant Program. The $15,000 grant awards made today are
double the $7,500 awards approved a year ago. Mass Cultural Council
was able to increase the grants due an increase in its FY23 state budget appropriation.
When she learned of her FY23 $15,000 Investment Grant, Franklin
Cultural District Committee Co-Chair Pandora Carlucci was simply
amazed. “This funding will be truly transformative for our district,” she
said.
To date, Mass Cultural Council has approved and supports the efforts
of 51 state-designated cultural
districts across Massachusetts. Communities interested in
establishing a new cultural district are encouraged to connect with their
assigned Communities Initiative staff member.
The following state-designated cultural districts received a $15,000
Investment Grant today:
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