BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council today celebrates the recipients of its state Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Festivals & Projects grant program. These $2,500 awards to organizations support public activities that incorporate the arts, humanities, or sciences. In total, 740 cultural projects and festivals received a combined $1.85 million.
“These festivals and projects are more than just events – they are opportunities to connect, celebrate, and experience the culture that defines our communities,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Reaching all corners of the Commonwealth, these investments support the artists, organizations, and traditions that bring people together. I encourage everyone to seek out and take part in these dynamic events, to sustain and strengthen the creative economy that enriches our daily lives.”
As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the creative and cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.
The FY25 Festivals & Projects grant round was competitive, as a total of 1,340 applications requesting $3.35 million in funding were received. Mass Cultural Council had the resources to approve 55% of these proposals this year.
A review of the grant recipients shows that in FY25, a majority of Festivals & Project grantees help Mass Cultural Council achieve its equity goals, including: - 76% offered their program free to the public
- 59% did not receive Mass Cultural Council support in the past 3 years
- 46% brought their programs to under-resourced communities
The complete FY25 Festivals & Projects funding list and project descriptions are available online. Some examples of recipients include:
Adams Theater Presents (Adams, MA)
Adams Theater Fall Festival – support for the Adams Theater Fall Festival, which works with regional and visiting artists on diverse programs to bring generations of local communities together. This year’s festival features a burlesque show, a concert, a film screening, and a comedy routine, fostering connection across the region.
Comunidad Colombiana Lowell (Lowell, MA)
La Fuerza Obrera Colombiana: Celebrating Colombian History – support for the creation of La Fuerza Obrera Colombiana, a 6-foot-tall public monument celebrating the contributions of Lowell’s first Colombian immigrant workers to the city’s textile industry. The project serves as a symbol of unity, addressing the lack of representation for the Colombian community in Lowell’s public art landscape.
First Spark Festival (Arlington, MA)
First Spark Festival – support for a vibrant arts festival aimed at promoting community building and health through artistic expression. It aims to create an inclusive space where individuals can engage with various art forms, live music, and immersive workshops.
Mystic Open Studio (Oak Bluffs, MA)
Historic Walking Tour of Oak Bluffs – support for the creation of a Historic Walking Tour Map of Oak Bluffs, offering a free, healthy, and educational experience for visitors and residents. The map highlights the town’s rich cultural past, creating a memorable and historic journey through Oak Bluffs.
2Gether We Eat (Worcester, MA)
Nourishing Minds, Cultivating Futures: A STEM Journey – support for an educational program where BIPOC and low-income youth will build and maintain hydroponic systems, gain skills in urban agriculture and green energy, and donate produce to families, fostering food independence and sustainable practices.
FY26 - Announcing the new Creative Experiences Program
In the coming fiscal year (FY26), Mass Cultural Council will merge Festivals & Projects with the Creative Projects for Schools program to create one new, streamlined funding opportunity for creative and cultural projects, activities, and events: the Creative Experiences program. This new grant program is intended to support activities in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences that invite public participation, spark engagement, and contribute to the cultural vitality of Massachusetts.
“I’m excited to welcome this year’s applications for creative experiences that connect with communities, ignite curiosity, and enrich Massachusetts’ cultural landscape. Mass Cultural Council is proud to invest in these initiatives that bring people together and showcase the power of creativity in our communities,” said Bobbitt.
The FY26 Application is now open for Creative Experiences; the deadline to apply is April 30, 2025. Prospective applicants are encouraged to register for a virtual information session on March 13 or connect with staff during virtual office hours. Award notifications are expected to be released in Fall 2025. |
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