Carlisle Cultural Council
The Carlisle Cultural Council is a volunteer group of Carlisle residents interested in the arts and humanities who support local cultural initiatives and vote on local grant applications. Our goal is to serve our community by supporting and producing both participatory and audience-based cultural and arts activities which benefit local residents.
To better understand the cultural needs of our community, the Council sponsors a town-wide survey at least every 3 years. In May/June 2020, 162 people completed our online survey. Here are some highlights:
—Respondent Profile:
� Nearly 75% have lived in town for 3+ years; � nearly 38% for 20+ years; � about 60% have children at home; � About 80% attend cultural events in Carlisle; � 22% stated they do not attend events
—Programming:
� Strong interest (50- 70%) in reaching every age group, except preschool
—Event types with the most interest:
� Music (80%); � Gatherings/festivals (62%); � Nature (61%); � Visual arts (56%); � Theater (53%)
—Publicity: � Residents learn about cultural events primarily from the Carlisle Mosquito (94%)
� Only 1 in 4 respondents knew about applying for grants from the Carlisle Cultural Council.
Contact
Mark Levitan, Chair
culturalcouncil@carlislema.gov
978-369-6136
Address
66 Westford Street
Carlisle, MA 01741
Connect on Social
Facebook
FY22 Allocation
$5,000
FY22 Local Priorities
Program Purpose
The volunteer members of the Carlisle Cultural Council are committed to promoting the arts, music, history, culture and the humanities in Carlisle. We serve our community by supporting and producing both participatory and audience-based cultural and arts activities which benefit local residents.
We know that lists of requirements can seem daunting. Our goal is to encourage applications for a variety of experiences. We are here to help should you have any questions.
What we mean by culture: music, dance, theater, fine art, pop art, graphic arts, sculpture, photography, multimedia, fiber arts, ethnic customs, culinary arts, humanities, literature, poetry, nature, gardening, woodworking, ceramics, storytelling, history, science, language and more?
Priorities
Preference will be given to Carlisle organizations and applicants. Non-Carlisle residents will be considered for programs directly benefiting Carlisle residents. All applications should demonstrate a strong connection and benefit to the Carlisle community.
Carlisle residents and organizations:
Preference will be given to:
1. Projects which encourage community-wide participation
2. Projects which encourage multi-generational engagement
3. Projects celebrating cultural diversity and inclusivity
4. First time funding of projects
Non-resident individuals or organizations:
1. If your program occurs in Carlisle, you must have a predetermined local sponsor and a letter from the sponsor with your application. The letter should specify the type and level of support that the sponsor will provide. The
application must identify the venue as either in-person or virtual. Virtual programs must be managed by the sponsor.
2. If your program does not occur in Carlisle, you must have a supporting letter from at least one resident that explains how your program will benefit Carlisle residents.
FY22 Local Guidelines
Guidelines
All applications must specify a committed date and venue for in-person or remote events. Preference may be given to events that take place in Carlisle or venues that typically draw in a large percentage of Carlisle residents.
For in-person and online events, accessibility, including physical and digital access (e.g. captions) should be thought of when planning project location and/or delivery. For the 2021-2022 grant cycle, applicants should indicate how they will comply with COVID-19 safety protocols for in-person events, and indicate if they have flexibility to deliver projects virtually should adjustments be needed due to Massachusetts health safety recommendations.
Please tell us as much as possible about your project?s intended audience and/or participants, including the estimated number of Carlisle residents, age group recommendations, areas of interest, and appeal to underserved audiences.
Applicants should indicate when they are co-sponsored by another organization and the level of commitment from the co-sponsor. If applying to other LCCs, be sure to include all possible LCC grant funds in your budget. Your event should be able to proceed with only partial funding from the Carlisle Cultural Council.
Applications must be made online via the Mass. Cultural Council SmartSimple system. Applications provide for attachments that will help us understand how your program fits with the Council?s priorities. Correspondence, including any clarifications and notifications of awards will be conducted via email. Please be sure the email address on the application is one which will be used throughout the process.
Grants typically range up to $500.
Post-award Requirements
Upon award, all grantees will be asked to include specific language regarding ADA accessibility on promotional materials, including directions to accessible entrances.
Approved grantees must advertise or announce their program(s) to the Carlisle community via local media, including digital and physical. We can provide guidance about local communication vehicles. The Carlisle Cultural Council logo must be used in promotional materials as approved in advance; additional instructions are included in grant award letters.
All grantees will be required to send a press release or thank you letter to the Carlisle Mosquito, crediting the Carlisle Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.
Grants are made on a reimbursement basis. Instructions are included in award communications.
We can provide assistance in support of grant applications, especially to anyone requiring accommodation for a disability.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Reimbursement Grants
FY22 Funding List
| Name | Project Title | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friends of Center Park, Inc. | Bentwood and Wattle fence inspired Crafting Workshops | $200 |
| Carlisle Old Home Day Association, Inc. | Carlisle Old Home Day | $500 |
| Gleason Public Library | Learn How to Play the Ukulele with Julie Stepanek | $375 |
| Daniel Kirouac | Oldies piano and vocal concert | $250 |
| Carlisle Communications, Inc. | Celebrating Carlisle's Diversity | $400 |
| Carlisle Chamber Orchestra | Fall Concert featuring the CCO Strings | $425 |
| Carlisle Parent Teacher Organization | CPS Garden Lending Library | $350 |
| The Concord Orchestra, Inc. | 2021-2022 Concert Season Music Director Search | $250 |
| Virginia Thurston Healing Garden | Nature and Art Therapy | $275 |
| Carlisle Conservation Foundation, Inc. | Celebrating Carlisle's Preserved Open Spaces | $500 |
| Indian Hill Music, Inc. | Bach's Lunch Concert Series | $250 |
| Carlisle Garden Club | Benefits of Native Planting | $250 |
| Nashoba Valley Chorale | AWAKE! | $250 |
