Linsky Announces Cultural Grants

BOSTON – Representative David Linsky (D-Natick) is pleased to announce that grants totaling $19, 495 have been awarded to cultural organizations, schools, and communities in his district by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). Representative Linsky said that these grants support a variety of cultural activities that benefit local residents. The announcement was made as part of a statewide funding program by the MCC.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The MCC promotes their commitment to the arts, sciences, and humanities through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists.

The Local Cultural Council Program (LCC), offering $2.4 million in grants for FY10, is the most extensive cultural funding system of its kind in the nation. This grassroots network provides funding to every Massachusetts city and town through 329 LLCs and 2,500 volunteer members. The councils support community-based projects that explore local arts and history, expand education and accessibility, and celebrate diversity. This year, the Natick Cultural Council will receive $5,320, the Sherborn Cultural Council will receive $4,000, and the Millis Cultural Council will receive $4,000 in local grants.

Additionally, Natick High School will receive $6,175 for the Creative Schools Program. This program supports schools and districts working to integrate the arts, sciences, and humanities into the curriculum, many in partnership with nonprofit cultural organizations and artist-educators. Natick High School’s grant will bring an artist in residence to develop a cross-curricular unit of study between the science and arts departments and to create a kinetic sculpture for the grounds of the high school.