Westport Cultural Council
The Westport Cultural Council works to foster quality cultural programs and activities that bring the community together to create, share and inspire. With funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the WCC works to support community programs in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. A grant from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust also enables the WCC to recall and reinforce the dedication and contributions of Ms. Ellis to the arts, education and the community each spring. In 2023 another generous donor allowed us to establish the Westport Cultural Council Gift Fund to increase our support for these efforts. We encourage the local community to contribute to this fund as much as they can.
The Westport Cultural Council is one in a network of local cultural councils serving the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Through State grants, the Council is able to support local arts, science and history, funds school field trips, and sponsors local concerts and exhibitions.
The Westport Cultural Council is unique in that it offers grants through a second grant funding source: the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust. Helen E. Ellis was a sculptor and dedicated educator who left an endowment to support local cultural programs for the Westport community.
Together, these funding programs have made it possible for the Council to award grants to more than 350 artists, historians, musicians, educators, theater groups, naturalists, and others who have helped make Westport a more vibrant and culturally rich community.
Contact
Thomas Peirce
[email protected]
508-676-8994
https://www.wptculturalcouncil.org
Address
816 Main Road
Westport, MA 02790-4396
Connect on Social
Facebook
Application Information
FY26 Allocation
$8,300
FY26 Local Priorities
The Westport Cultural Council’s priorities are to promote projects, presentations and events that benefit our community. Funding worthwhile projects from artists, groups or organizations give our community opportunities to come together. The Westport Cultural Council welcomes all applications that benefit and enhance our cultural climate, offer diverse and innovative events/projects and encourage the community to participate.
FY26 Local Guidelines
The Westport Cultural Council may limit dollar amounts to applicants due to monetary constraints. Each year, the number of overall, worthy applications effect how much the Council can grant out. Applicants must be prepared that their grants may not be fully funded. The applicant should be prepared to proceed and complete a grant if given partial funding. Funding for projects for personal profit are discouraged.
Applications for grants utilizing venues in the area must have a letter stating approval from that venue. Please include dates/timelines of your event.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Reimbursement Grants
FY26 Funding List
| Name | Project Title | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Astronomical Society of Southern New England, Inc. | Support astronomy programming in Southeastern Massachusetts | $200 | Camarao, Christian | New Bedford Roots and Branches Festival 2026 | $100 | Evans, Midori | “Write with Community South Coast” Literary Calendar | $250 | Evans, Midori | Creative Catalysts - A Celebration of Artistic Cross-Pollination | $150 | Gnome Inc. | Gnome Surf's 2026 Little Legends All-Abilities Surf Showcase | $600 | Harrington, Lara | Não me Digas | $150 | New Bedford Festival Theatre, Inc. | New Bedford Festival Theatre Summer Academy 2026 | $500 | New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, Inc. | In the Wake: Magnuson Stevens Act at 50 | $250 | Old Dartmouth Historical Society | Museum Exhibit Installation featuring Westport Historical Figure Charlotte White | $450 | South Coast Artists, Inc. | Open Studio Tour 2026 | $550 | SouthCoast Children's Theatre, Inc. | SCCT Presents "Beetlejuice Jr" | $500 | The Art Drive | Art Drive 2026 | $550 | The Philosophy of the Eight Guided Paths Spiritual Guidance Center Charitable Trust | Nature’s Whispers - public art StoryWalk | $300 | Tri-County Music Association, Inc. | Complimentary Senior Tickets | $200 | Westport Art Group, Inc. | Tuesday Evenings at WAG | $350 | Westport Dance Group | Westport MA Summer Square Dancing | $400 | Westport Grange No. 181 Patrons of Husbandry | Westport Grange Music Series | $519 | Westport Historical Society, Inc. | South Coast and Islands Shallop Tour | $725 | Westport Land Conservation Trust, Inc. | Snell Creek Orchard Project | $875 | Westport Middle School | Landforms Through Art | $350 | Your Theatre, Inc. | New Bedford JazzFest | $350 | Zeiterion Theatre, Inc. | The Z’s SchoolTime Performance Series Scholarships | $500 |