Power of Culture Blog
Hosting Meaningful LCC Grant Receptions
Thoughtful event details can build community, spark collaboration, and amplify the impact of local arts and culture
Dawn Heinen, Digital Communications Manager
2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program, and one way we are honoring this milestone is to hear from the incredible volunteers who make this vital program — the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation — sing.
Every city and town in Massachusetts has an LCC working to bring public programs in the arts. humanities, and sciences to their community. Here are some reflections from a few of them:
Andrea Kaiser, former Wellesley Cultural Council member for 7 years
I was part of the team that created the LCCs and served as a regional coordinator for years at Mass Cultural Council as the ED at the Groton Center for the Arts. I am currently a grant recipient from the Danvers Cultural Council.
Diane McGary, Dracut Cultural Council member for 4 years
I value the arts.
Ellie Goudie-Averill, Chesterfield Cultural Council member for 3 years
I met some wonderful older women in town who encouraged me to join since I’m a dance artist.
Heather Rockwood, Attleboro Cultural Council member for 4 years
In 2020, the Mayor of Attleboro put out a call for new members, as the Attleboro Cultural Council could lose funding without fresh members. I had already been thinking about it, but I didn’t want the Council to disappear, and I knew I could help.
John Hassan, Haverhill Cultural Council member for 4 years
I moved to Haverhill just before the pandemic and was looking for something to do. I asked about openings on city committees.
Andrea: Attending some of the sponsored events and seeing the impact on the attendees.
Diane: When we began to be a cooperative Council instead of a top-down group. Now we are each speaking up, and creating more opportunities for the arts in our community. The diversity of the group also leads to more creative and innovative ideas.
Ellie: We held a Council sponsored event on the indigenous history of our town that sparked interesting discussion.
Heather: Our LCC was greatly diminished by COVID, but we brought it from 2 members to 9 in only a few years.
John: I became a member without realizing what the LCC does and have enjoyed my time on the Council.
Andrea: Our LCC draws members who are diverse and engaged.
Diane: We are becoming special. At the moment, we are moving from just approving grants to actually having our own cultural activities for the town.
Ellie: We are a small group of folks who work together to bring wonderful events to our community.
Heather: Our LCC can give out larger funding to big programs due to the large amount we receive yearly from Mass Cultural Council. We really appreciate the ability of the Agency to make sure that Attleboro, a Gateway City, receives the funding it deserves.
John: A good working group of members.
Andrea: Families are very supportive of local cultural events.
Ellie: Everyone respects each other and works together to get things done.
Heather: Our community does not have a lot of money, but what it does have is joy. Most people love this city and have lived here for generations.
John: A diverse population.
Andrea: I believe the Wellesley Cultural Council adds a piece of the cultural quilt that makes our town special.
Ellie: It helps our library and COA bring events and also brings other art classes and events to our public buildings that would otherwise sit empty.
Heather: The Attleboro Cultural Council keeps the arts going in Attleboro, from theater, to music, to murals, to festivals, the impact of the Council is felt and seen throughout the city.
John: The work of the LCC allows a greater audience to take part in cultural programs.
Andrea: Although we are a wealthy town, most of the charitable donations go to hospital and social service needs.
Diane: Arts are fundamental to the development and continuation of life.
Ellie: It brings folks together around something other than contentious subjects such as the town budget 🙂
Heather: It is immeasurable. Knowing that there is money that can be put directly into the hands of local artists that want to enhance the way we live and celebrate, it creates a feeling of pride of place, and appreciation.
John: The funding allows programs that would not be funded through other means.
Andrea: Our very supportive library and local colleges.
Ellie: Our small library holds Wednesday morning events for children during the summer that are amazing!
Heather: There are two: Cuddy Court is painted with the murals of Jess Tracy who is a fantasy artist. The other is the 5 different theater troupes in Attleboro, two of which are for children.
John: The museums.
Andrea: As a piano teacher, I create young pianists who will have a lifetime relationship with music.
Diane: Dracut Arts, a 501(c)(3). I am also a therapeutic musician.
Ellie: Ballet combinations and phrases.
John: Jigsaw puzzles.
Andrea: When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill.
Ellie: I’m reading Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino and a new publication called RADIANT: The Dance, the Scientist, and a Friendship Forged in Light about the relationship between Marie Curie and the dancer Loie Fuller.
John: Give Unto Others by Donna Leon.
Andrea: Classical
Ellie: Folk and Pop
John: Pre-1970’s music.
Andrea: Mark Morris Dance back in January. It was amazing!
Ellie: Yes! I go to lots of performances at the School for Contemporary Dance and Thought in Northampton and they are all amazing.
John: Peabody Essex Museum exhibits. I had not been there for 25 years and I like the improvements.
We are highlighting LCC members throughout the year, and invite them to share a nano interview with us!
