Resources for Municipalities

Mass Cultural Council – the state arts agency – is charged with bolstering the Commonwealth’s creative & cultural sector.

Our efforts:

• Advance economic vitality
• Support transformational change
• Celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity across all communities

The Agency pursues its mission through a wide range of grants, initiatives, and advocacy for artists, communities, organizations, and schools.

Our work intersects most directly with cities and towns through our Local Cultural Council Program and Cultural Districts Initiative. There are also a number of grant programs to which municipalities can apply.

Watch: Mass Municipal Association webinars

• Embracing Culture in the Commonwealth (5/28/24) – slide deck
  An overview of the mission, vision, and impact of Mass Cultural Council. Panelists discuss how communities can support and promote the arts by appointing staff to a local cultural council, and how they can build cultural districts through community initiatives, such as planning and zoning.
• Building Vibrant and Creative Communities (6/18/24) – slide deck
  Officials from municipalities with thriving cultural communities discuss how to build public support for arts, culture and tourism; celebrate different traditions and talents; and promote economic opportunity within cities and towns.

Local Cultural Council Program

Download

• Local Cultural Council Municipal Guide for Mayors, Councilors, Selectmen, and Managers (Word)
• Local Cultural Council Municipal Guide for Financial Committees and Financial Staff (Word)

Complete with your LCC

• FY25 LCC Account Form (Excel) – use this to calculate the dollars available for granting this cycle

Rural Municipalities Toolkit

The Rural Municipalities Toolkit is a collection of accessible, supportive resources for cities and towns interested in bolstering their creative community and economic development.