Power of Culture Blog
Local Cultural Councils Grant $7.5M to More than 7,300 Community-Based Projects
Happy 45th Anniversary to the Local Cultural Council Program!
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:
Abby Bender, Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council member for 3 years:
I benefit from many cultural programs in my community. As a longtime grantee of LCC support, I felt it was time to do my part and serve on my local council.
Andrew Cade, Springfield Cultural Council member for 10 years:
I was initially asked by the Mayor of the City to join the LCC. I met with the council members and discovered that the council was making a significant impact. I wanted to be a part of the transformation.
Ann-Marie Kirshon, Norton Cultural Council member for 2 years:
Our town was in danger of not having enough members to qualify for LCC funds, and even though I’m very shy, I didn’t want Norton to miss out on cultural opportunities.
Maggie Barkin, Monterey Cultural Council member for 5 years:
To give back to my community and learn more about opportunities for engagement.
Abby: I enjoy talking about the work we do with members of the community. I’m always proud to serve.
Andrew: Provide grants to local residents who really need the funding to provide quality programming, which strengthens the local community socially, mentally and artistically.
Ann-Marie: I loved seeing the crowds outdoors at the Norton Public Library’s gazebo in the summer of 2023, watching musician Matt York perform The Highwaymen Songs & Stories live. It brought so many different people together, outside in a beautiful place.
Maggie: Each year in February our LCC joins with the Council on Aging to produce a rock concert in our church. To see so many people of all ages dancing in the aisles is a sight to see.
Abby: The Island Folk Pottery Sculpture Trail! I stumbled across this magical trail on a nature walk years back. Had never heard of it. It’s a long, meandering trail in the woods adorned with ceramic and wood fairies, sprites, mythical creatures large and small, all whimsical beings.
Andrew: Two of the treasures that I didn’t know uplifts the community are art galleries and community murals. They enhance the cultural richness of our community. Additionally, the galleries showcase art projects which share significant historical and cultural aspects of the community.
Ann-Marie: The Norton Singers, a local community theatre group that was founded in 1945 and continues to put up ambitious and delightful productions. We’re also very excited about our new Council on Aging building, a great upgrade for our seniors.
Maggie: Monterey has an active gallery space in our local library and a Community Center. Between these 2 spaces many cultural council activities can be offered to the public.
Abby: Full-length, site-specific immersive dance theatre, also fundraising live game shows, shorter projects, comedy
Andrew: Music
Ann-Marie: I am an amateur poet, but mostly I like to feed people food that makes them feel loved.
Maggie: I do a lot of singing and dancing. I act as a member of theatrical endeavors. I am learning to quilt and continue to embroider with “Darn Yarners” I draw during Art Studio.
Abby: Twin Peaks, on my third watch of the original series
Andrew: Ozark
Ann-Marie: I am re-watching Scandal, a comfort show that somehow also contains a lot of murders.
Maggie: The Brutalist, Wicked, A Complete Unknown, Homicide, Dalgliesh, Hacks
We aim to highlight LCC members throughout the year, and invite them to share a nano interview with us!
