Worcester Arts Council awards more than $246,000 for arts and cultural programs

Richard Duckett, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
·2 min read
Costumed revelers participated in the Worcester Caribbean parade, which made its way Aug. 27, 2023, from City Hall to Institute Park for the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival.
Costumed revelers participated in the Worcester Caribbean parade, which made its way Aug. 27, 2023, from City Hall to Institute Park for the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival.

WORCESTER — The Worcester Arts Council and the city have announced the award of 53 grants and fellowships totaling $246,844 for arts and cultural programs in Worcester in 2024.

Grant winners reflect a wide range of Worcester-based programs and organizations, including the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival ($5,000), Crocodile River Music’s Worcester’s Got African Talent 3.0 ($5,000), Love Your Labels ($5,000), Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra ($5,000), and more. Through the support of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the Worcester Arts Council was able to give $5,000 fellowship awards to five Worcester artists: Travis R. Duda, Jerry Kazarian, Ferlay Jean-Baptiste, Tina E. Gaffney and Lynn Aurelie Thibault.

The crowd mills at a reception ahead of the July 29, 2023, premiere of "Wortown Rising" at the JMAC. The documentary was created by Jerry Kazarian, also known as Kaz Supernova.
The crowd mills at a reception ahead of the July 29, 2023, premiere of "Wortown Rising" at the JMAC. The documentary was created by Jerry Kazarian, also known as Kaz Supernova.

“We were able to distribute more grant funding into the community than ever before and are looking forward to the variety of projects planned for this year. It’s an honor to support so many projects and people who inspire us, challenge us, and connect us through their creativity and imagination," said Worcester Arts Council chair Sean Brennan in the announcement.

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“Supporting artists in Worcester is not just about fostering creativity; it’s about nurturing diverse voices and preserving cultural heritage,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “I commend the Worcester Arts Council for championing equitable access to arts funding, prioritizing BIPOC artists and groups, and enriching our community with their dedication and commitment.”

The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, performing at Institute Park.
The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, performing at Institute Park.

Between October and December 2023, the Worcester Arts Council evaluated a total of 118 applications on criteria including public benefit, creative/artistic merit, capacity, budget, impact, and innovation. The Council also considered how well applications reflected its annual Funding Priorities, which are established based on community input.

The Worcester Arts Council consists of members appointed by the Worcester City Manager and is part of a network of 329 local cultural councils serving all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The state Legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

Drag performer Zon Legacy Phoenix during the Love Your Labels' Queer AF Fashion and Art Show held Sept. 8 at Mechanics Hall.
Drag performer Zon Legacy Phoenix during the Love Your Labels' Queer AF Fashion and Art Show held Sept. 8 at Mechanics Hall.

“I am thrilled to witness the Worcester Arts Council’s unwavering dedication to facilitating opportunities for local artists and creative projects,” said Worcester's Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks. “Their commitment not only fulfills our city’s cultural plan but also ignites our office’s strategic functions. I eagerly anticipate the incredible creative activations that will emerge and flourish thanks to this vital funding support through the Mass. Cultural Council and additional fellowship funding support from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.”

The complete list of 2024 grant recipients and amounts can be found online at massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/worcester.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Arts Council awards more than $246,000 for cultural programs