Community Corner
More Than $250K Available Through Worcester Arts Council Grants
The Worcester Arts Council is accepting applications for its next round of grants supporting local artists and cultural programs.
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Arts Council is accepting applications for its next round of grants supporting local artists and cultural programs.
The council has $259,500 available for fiscal 2027, including $244,500 from the Mass Cultural Council and $15,000 from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Applications are due online by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 15.
Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofits, schools, libraries, public agencies and associations with an established nonprofit objective.
The council offers two types of funding:
- Project Grants support programs in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. Applicants must have a residential, commercial or studio address in Worcester County, demonstrate a tangible benefit to Worcester residents and hold the funded project within the city.
- Fellowship Grants help individual artists develop their work outside a specific project or presentation. Artists in any discipline may apply and must maintain a residential, commercial or studio address in Worcester.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Mass Cultural Council and Greater Worcester Community Foundation, whose significant investments in Worcester’s creative sector allow us to continue putting resources directly into the hands of our artists, cultural organizations and creative community,” Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks said.
The council will prioritize arts education, public art, musical performances, and programs serving age groups ranging from children to seniors. It will also prioritize projects that elevate historically marginalized voices, advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility or benefit historically underserved parts of Worcester.
“Supporting artists is essential to a vibrant and life-giving culture,” Worcester Arts Council Chair Chris Michelotti said. “These grants are one of many resources the council provides to our amazing community of artists that bring so much joy to the greater Worcester area.”
The Mass Cultural Council will hold a virtual grantee workshop at 6 p.m. Sept. 10. The Worcester Arts Council also plans to hold a virtual workshop for potential applicants, with details to be announced through its Instagram account, @worcesterartscouncil.
The council will review applications from November through December, with funding decisions expected by late January 2027.
Application instructions and the council’s FY27 grant guidelines are available on the city’s website.
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