Jay Wong, Program Officer
Arts and cultural events enrich communities, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic activity. Each year, several Local Cultural Councils produce their own Council Programs – using up to 20% of their annual state allocation – to help meet cultural needs that are not otherwise being addressed in the community.
The following are a few highlights from last year’s grant cycle:
Sharon Cultural Council held their first annual Chalk Art Festival. A vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit that drew over 250 attendees, with more than 60 talented participants to transform a parking lot pavement into a colorful canvas of artistic expression.
“The festival’s purpose was clear: to unite the community through the universal language of art, providing a platform for all ages to participate in a shared creative experience. And in this goal, we undoubtedly succeeded. The festival brought together participants of all ages, including families, friends, and Girl Scout troops, each working within their own groups. The diverse range of artistic backgrounds added a vibrancy to the event, as everyone spent hours channeling their creative focus and energy into transforming their assigned parking lot spaces into unique masterpieces,” Aaron Glick, Chair of the Sharon Cultural Council.
Along the Cape, Falmouth Cultural Council offered “Music at the Table,” a program for guests at A Place at the Table, the free lunch program at St. Barnabas Church. This music outreach program will reach 40 – 60 unhoused and/or food insecure community members weekly, who, otherwise, do not have access to live music.
The LCC has worked closely to develop this project with staff at A Place at the Table and at Belonging to Each Other, a non-profit that provides shelter. The LCC surveyed the guests at A Place at the Table and found a preference for classical or quiet music that does not compete with their interactions with each other or with their time with housing counselors. No other Falmouth or regional cultural organization provides outreach to this underserved population.
Nahant Cultural Council held a summer event, Celebrate Nahant: Images of Our Town, Past and Present. This community photography exhibit invited folks to share their favorite Nahant photos, memories, and moments. All submitted photos were displayed.
Cosponsored by Nahant Historical Society and Nahant Preservation Trust, the exhibit ran for three days in July. The gallery opening had refreshments and music.
The impetus for the exhibit came from feedback the LCC received from residents who fondly remembered the summer Nahant Arts events at the wharf as an opportunity to celebrate the arts and bring the community together.
West Stockbridge Cultural Council worked in collaboration with several local community organizations, to host a Zucchini Festival celebrating the Berkshire region and of course everyone’s favorite staple summer squash.
The August 10 event will feature Berkshire County vendors, goods, artists, food, handcrafted Zucchini games, contests, live music, performances, and more. The festival is a fun, inclusive and kid-friendly event for all folks from all places to build community and have some fun. All proceeds from game tickets and festival merch go to the Zucchini Festival fund.
Local Cultural Councils are always encouraged to consider creating their own Council Programs, especially during this time of year when the grant cycle is just beginning.