Somerset Cultural Council
The Somerset Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all the cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Through its Board (currently numbering 5 members), the Council meets throughout the year. One meeting is dedicated to the allocation of funds received from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to individuals and organizations proposing to provide arts programs or performances within our community. Grants are reimbursement-based and priority is given to first time applicants and those who demonstrate a local connection and support.
Contact
[email protected]
508-646-2800
Address
140 Wood Street
Somerset, MA 02726-5297
Application Information
FY26 Allocation
$12,400
FY26 Local Priorities
FY2025-26 Somerset Cultural Council Priorities
The Somerset Cultural Council gathers input from the community and develops funding priorities based on this feedback. This year the Somerset Cultural Council will give priority to proposals that:
● Show clarity of purpose
● Directly benefit Somerset residents
● Are related to the culture and history of Somerset, Bristol County and the region
● Celebrate Somerset’s diverse culture and population
● Are geographically local to Somerset residents
● Are offered gratis or at a reduced cost
● Have evidence of pre-planning (specific dates/times/venues)
● Have local sponsorship (with a letter of support)
● Follow the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s state criteria for grant applications
The Council encourages new and innovative programs. First time applicants will be given higher priority. Repeat programs or applicants will be carefully reviewed and should include other sources of support to show the project is not dependent solely on Council funding.
The Council seeks this year to develop programming in cooperation with other entities and agencies.
The Council seeks this year to potentially support programs and projects that can create fixed installations in the region.
The Council will also strive to make sure that approved grants benefit a diverse demographic and cultural base, reach a variety of age groups, and cover a variety of mediums. Programs may be presented in-person or virtually.
School-related proposals must be for enrichment activities and not for programs, supplies, or salaries that should be part of a school budget.
Council Guidelines
FY26 Local Guidelines
Funding is more likely when an application is submitted with a town sponsor and include a letter of support from said community partner.
Only applications submitted through the Online Application system will be accepted for consideration.
Programs must be completed in the 2024 calendar year (January to December) following the October 2023 application deadline.
Grant recipients are required to inform the Somerset Cultural Council before making changes to their program’s execution and/or completion. Requests should be submitted in writing/email for review and approval.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Direct Grants
FY26 Funding List
| Name | Project Title | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Andrews, Roger | SketchyGOichie DRAW! - Empowering Somerset Youth Through Digital Art (referred to as DRAW! throughout this application) | $750 | Art Pop | Mindful Monday Art Club | $840 | Art Pop | Creating Through the Chaos | $750 | Bristol Chapter of Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc. | Revolutionary War Soliders of Color | $165 | Bristol Chapter of Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc. | Deciphering Old Handwriting | $265 | Hamelin, Richard L. | Patriots and Potters | $530 | Little Theatre of Fall River, Inc. | Sunday in the Park with George | $500 | MUSIC Dance.edu | Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors! a dance series | $500 | MUSIC Dance.edu | I am Autistic I am Fantastic - The Musical | $580 | Mateus, Kayla | Pop Art Pets: A Creative Pet Portrait Workshop for Kids | $800 | Mateus, Kayla | Art Pop Teen Collective | $1,350 | New Bedford Festival Theatre, Inc. | New Bedford Festival Theatre Summer Academy 2026 | $350 | Parisi, Rita | Women of '76 | $600 | Rodrigues, Steven | RiverStock | $1,000 | Rua-Larsen, Marybeth | July Jaunts 2025: Programs Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution | $1,350 | Somerset Public Schools | Tanglewood Marionettes The Fairy Circus Puppet Show for Preschool and Kindergarten Students | $400 | Southcoast Opportunities for Artisans and Makers. Inc. | Local Musicians at SOAM | $2,000 |