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:
Alice Kociemba, Falmouth Cultural Council member for 4 years
I became a member of the Falmouth Cultural Council to advocate for support for our cultural community and to make visible the contributions of our projects to the lives of all community members. It’s a joy to add to the quality of life of my community.
Beth Zelazo, Palmer Cultural Council member for 4 years
After retiring from the Palmer Public School system as a paraprofessional for 22 years, I still wanted to be involved in some program which improved the lives and opportunities of my community. Plus, I have always been involved with town committees which served the greater population.
Carolyn T. Melbye, Waltham Cultural Council member for 4 years
I highly value the arts and wanted to be part of bringing the arts to Waltham.
Heather Simmons, Needham Cultural Council member for 4.5 years
I’m an artist and wanted to feel more connected to my community and public arts.
Kevin McMahon, Wellfleet Cultural Council member for 4 years
Wanted to make a difference and support the cultural activities in our town.
Alice: At Falmouth’s Town Meeting, our request for funds that would match Mass Cultural’s allocation was met with such support that we received more than we asked for! Never before had a request for funding been met by such overwhelming support!
Beth: Watching fifth grade students leave for a 3-day Saco, ME outdoor learning experience. They were so excited. Then hearing upon their return from both students, staff, and parents how much this experience positively impacted their enthusiasm to learn, becoming independent, and making new friends.
Heather: Getting positive feedback about the latest mural.
Kevin: Nearly doubling our state allocation by holding various fundraising activities. Not only does this increase the impact of what we can give, it significantly raises awareness of the LCC Program and what we do with the residents.
Alice: The Falmouth Cultural Council now has 2 student members. Both are active in the arts and want to pursue a career in art or music. They bring a fresh and lively perspective to our meetings and advocate for programs that appeal to our younger community members. Also, we do a lot of outreach to gather community surveys. We learn how valuable our programming is, especially to people who request free or low cost programs and understand that the arts are essential to their well-being.
Beth: Our past and present members give of their time unselfishly asking for no public kudos.
Heather: We have a very vibrant, dedicated, thoughtful, and intelligent group of council members. I’m continually amazed at what people bring to the meeting discussions.
Alice: Falmouth has an abundance of arts, humanities, and science projects that draw all members of our community together. The Town of Falmouth has supported the LCC by contributing $10,000 annually to the work.
Beth: Palmer has a committed group of people who have consistently over the years given of their time, talent, and treasure through various programs/committees which enrich the lives of our residents.
Carolyn: Waltham is diverse in many ways, which makes it a place where you’ll always learn new things and meet people of many backgrounds.
Heather: The enthusiasm people show for the arts and culture.
Alice: We fund programs that celebrate our cultural diversity. These events bring us together and help us understand and appreciate what it means to be both unique and connected.
Beth: The Palmer Cultural Council has been able to fully or partially fund grants which have mostly allowed our school systems to provide engaging and enriching experiences for our students. Opening their eyes to what lies beyond Palmer and hopefully sparking them to reach their full potential.
Heather: It means supporting the visual and performing arts and arts programming. It has also contributed to beautifying spaces through public arts.
Alice: Our artists and musicians and cultural organizations are still in the process of recovery from the pandemic. Government support (from both the municipality and the Commonwealth) has made a lasting impact on people’s lives. The arts draw us together like nothing else can!
Beth: It’s invaluable. Especially for towns which have limited financial or extracurricular resources due to budgetary restraints.
Carolyn: It shows our state’s commitment to the arts, which helps artists and citizens feel valued for their talents.
Heather: It helps bring arts/arts programs to all ages and groups, including those who normally might be underserved.
Alice: Music at the Table is the LCC’s outreach program to our homeless community members. Weekly, we bring the music to a community free lunch program and the musicians have found performing to be the most meaningful way to bring comfort to those in need. We have raised over $15,000 to continue to “Fund the Joy.”
Beth: We have two: Our public library and the Palmer Historical Cultural Center.
Carolyn: Opportunities for Inclusion provides programming for those with developmental disabilities. It has applied for and received grants for visiting artists to engage program participants in unique artistic experiences. It is an important service for those who are often forgotten because they are unable to advocate for their wants and needs.
Heather: Gorse Mill Studios, Needham public library art exhibitions, and Center for the Heights.
Kevin: In our small town we have two professional Equity theaters.
Alice: Porcelain earrings that I give to a local homeless shelter for first-time mothers.
Beth: Jigsaw puzzles, time for my church, family, and friends.
Carolyn: Baked goods, collages, dance routines
Heather: Artwork (ceramics, embroidery, painting)
Beth: Oldies back to the 1960’s.
Kevin: Show tunes and indy artists.
Alice: The Red Dress exhibit at the Fuller Craft Museum
Beth: Donna Lee Honeywell and Landslide – a tribute to Fleetwood Mac at the Palmer Historical Cultural Center
Carolyn: Orchid exhibition at New England Botanical Garden, Exhibitions at the ICA Boston, Jazz music through Wayland Arts, What the World Needs Now musical ensemble at my church.
We are highlighting LCC members throughout the year, and invite them to share a nano interview with us!
