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1. What is the Weston Cultural Council?

The Weston Cultural Council, administered at the state level by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, receives state funds to be granted at the local level. Municipally-appointed volunteers meet and decide how to distribute the money to projects that promote access, education, diversity and excellence in three areas: Arts (crafts, performing, visual, media, folk, design, literary, and interdisciplinary arts); Humanities (history, social studies, philosophy, criticism, and literature); and Interpretive Sciences (engaging people in learning about nature, science, and technology in ways that connect to their lives). Weston Cultural Council (WCC)

2. Who qualifies for Weston Cultural Council funding?

According to requirements determined by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, funds are to be used for arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. There must be a public benefit. Applicants may not be discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, religion, creed, color, national origin, disability or age. Funds must not be used to substitute or replace current or previously funded public programs of a municipality, such as schools or libraries.

3. What type of proposals will receive priority?

Weston Cultural Council local funding priorities include, but are not limited to, Weston students in public or private schools, newly emerged artists, Weston artists, programs presenting history, and collaborative projects between cultural and science groups and/or community organizations; however, good quality, entertaining and sustainable programs from towns outside of Weston are highly encouraged to apply, particularly if the program is of cultural interest to Weston.

4. Are there any requirements for receiving grants?

Grants must have a local venue/connection. Funds are not to be used as the sole means of support for projects of a continuing nature. Reapplications for continuing projects are occasionally funded for more than three years. We encourage groups not to rely on Council funding on a yearly basis and to develop other sources of funding.

Funds may not be used for the purchase of food. Funds for scholarships are available to applicant organizations or individuals and must demonstrate community benefit.

A complete list of requirements is available and can be found on the
Local Cultural Council website.

5. How much funding can I ask for?

Due to the limited amount of funds available, grants over $2,500 are rarely funded. The majority of grants funded were for less than $2,000.

6. What types of projects have been funded in the past?

A wide variety of projects have been funded over the years, such as reading series, artists and scientist programs, performing arts (music, theater, film) and visual (including innovative art forms). A list of past Grant Recipient projects is listed on the Weston Cultural Council web page.

7. What are the grant application deadlines?

Grant applications must be postmarked or submitted online by October 15th. Funding is awarded for projects planned for July of the current year through December of the following calendar year. Money becomes available after January 1st and is awarded on a reimbursement basis upon the completion of each project.

8. Where can I get a grant application?

Applications that can be downloaded or submitted online are available on the Local Cultural Council website, under Weston.

9. Where do I send my grant application?

If you are submitting your application via postal mail, please send 10 completed copies to:

Weston Cultural Council
c/o Weston Town Hall
P.O. Box 378
Weston, MA 02493

Postmark Deadline Is October 15th of each calendar year.

Online applications can be submitted on the Local Cultural Council website, under Weston.

10. Who do I contact for additional information?

Contact Christine Martin, chair, at wcc02493@gmail.com