The Winchester Cultural Council is a town agency composed of volunteers appointed by the Select Board who work to enhance the artistic and cultural life of the town. The council collaborates with the Massachusetts Cultural Council and other state agencies, and works to build connections between local organizations.
The primary purpose of the Cultural Council is to financially support cultural activity in town by giving grants, both through the Massachusetts Cultural Council's annual LCC grants program and through other WCC-established programs using funding from the town budget and other locally raised funds. In addition, the WCC is the town's agency responsible for supporting cultural activity throughout Winchester, through communications, advocacy and conducting activities.
The Cultural Council has sponsored Art in August with the Winchester Artists' Network for many years. It supports the Winchester Cultural District and is represented on the District partnership. In 2023, the Cultural Council began a program of sponsoring artists to paint utility boxes, which is expected to continue in future years.
Each year, the Winchester Cultural Council gives grants for local cultural events and to support our town’s arts community. Grant applications are available online; the application deadline for the annual grants program is October 15 of every year. The Council also has a microgrant program that offers small grants year-round with a quick decision turn-around.
Any Winchester resident is eligible to join the Cultural Council whenever there is a vacancy. Vacancies are posted on the town's website (under "employment opportunities"). Interested parties may inquire withe the Town Manager's office or contact the Cultural Council directly, or may stop by a monthly WCC meeting. Volunteers are generally needed and are always welcome for all Cultural Council activities. Community input is important in directing Cultural Council activities and spending priorities, so the WCC welcomes public participation in meetings and other communications.
71 Mt. Vernon Street
Winchester, MA 01890
United States