Medford Arts Council
Established in 1980, the Medford Arts Council works to bring high-quality cultural programming to the community, increase public access to Medford’s many cultural assets, and promote favorable conditions for our creative economy.
On an annual cycle we offer grants to artists, writers, performers, instructors, and cultural organizations seeking to engage the Medford public. We also help sponsor new public arts and humanities initiatives in Medford.
The funds we distribute are an annual allocation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council through their Local Cultural Council program. The Council also receives funding from the City of Medford.
The Council funds public events like the Arts Across Medford festival, Circle the Square, and West Medford Open Studios, as well as dozens of concerts, classes, field trips, performances, and other activities in disciplines including dance, theater, music, science, history, literature, craft and design, and the visual arts.
Contact
medfordartscouncil@gmail.com
781-393-2454
www.medfordartscouncil.org/
Address
85 George P. Hassett Drive
Medford, MA 02155-3299
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Application Information
FY25 Allocation
$36,200
FY25 Local Priorities
Medford’s local priorities were developed using community input and strategic discussions at our recent public meetings. We will still accept, review, and approve a wide range of proposals including those that may be unrelated to our local priorities. However, we will use the local priorities to encourage, identify, and fund preferred proposals that are particularly suited to Medford’s needs at this time.
Cultural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Projects that elevate the voices and experiences of historically marginalized groups to highlight the current and historical diversity of Medford. Projects that create opportunities for artists and community members who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQX, refugee, immigrant, or person living with a disability. Such projects may include coalition building, research, leadership and youth development with a focus on arts and culture.
Public art: Temporary or permanent art — performing or visual, 2D or 3D, outdoor or indoor, physical or virtual — to be exhibited in public, open spaces in Medford, such as a park, municipal building, or neighborhood square. We will pay attention to the particular qualities of a proposed site and how the project’s design fits in the site, and we encourage projects that are participatory and accessible for all potential audiences. The project should seek to create a memorable experience for the public. See some examples on our public art page.
Projects that seek to enhance the vitality of Medford’s squares and business districts (for example, Medford Square, Haines Square, South Medford, Hillside, West Medford, Wellington, Station Landing, etc.) with cultural activities or displays that rely on visitors’ casual discovery or purposeful attendance.
Projects involving partnerships or collaborations among individuals or organizations. We are especially interested in deeply collaborative processes that fully involve the talents, skills, and resources of multiple contributors and include different perspectives within the community.
Projects in the humanities (literature, history, etc.) or science and technology (natural resources, environmental issues, STEAM, etc.), especially if they focus on Medford-related topics or themes, and/or use local resources or talent. Priority may be given to approaches that show innovation in audience participation, content development, or use of materials. Projects that combine the humanities and interpretive sciences are especially welcome.
Medford Oriented: Proposals will ideally include at least one of the following elements: based in Medford, responsive to Medford history and culture, initiated by Medford residents, encourage collaboration of Medford organizations and groups, and/or expanding engagement in the arts in Medford.
FY25 Local Guidelines
Attendance data and proof of promotion: Grant recipients are required to complete a short assessment form after the completion of their project or event.
Local planning: You must show that you have made specific plans to hold your event or activity in Medford. This means including a specific letter of support from the organization that controls the local venue. For example, if you plan to hold your event at the Medford Public Library, you must include a letter of support from the Medford Public Library saying that they want to host your event. We do not fund applications which show no sign of specific local planning. Please upload your letters using the online application system.
Collaboration: Projects involving collaboration must include a letter from the collaborating organizations confirming their commitment to the project. Please upload your letters using the online application system.
Business support: The Council welcomes proposals that show a collaboration between grant applicants and businesses offering to host, sponsor, or otherwise support cultural events for the public in Medford. Businesses are encouraged to donate a location/space, partially fund an event, or provide volunteer services for grant applicants. The Council will look favorably upon proposals of merit that include a commitment by partner businesses to provide partial funding for the proposed project.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Direct Grants
FY25 Funding List
A grant list will be published here after January 17, 2025 and once the Local Cultural Council has finalized their decisions.
