WORCESTER COUNTY—The arts in Worcester County are getting a major boost, as the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF) has announced $2.25 million in new funding to support local artists, cultural initiatives, and nonprofit arts organizations. The funds, sourced from a mix of public and private contributions, will be distributed in 2025 and 2026 to strengthen creativity and expand arts opportunities across the region.
This funding comes from individual donors, federal allocations in partnership with the City of Worcester, and a $1 million grant from the Barr Foundation, one of Massachusetts’ largest private arts funders. GWCF’s Creative Worcester County initiative, launched in 2017 as part of the statewide Creative Commonwealth Initiative, continues to build on its commitment to the arts.
“We are pleased to support the Creative Worcester County initiative as it fosters a thriving arts ecosystem that celebrates creativity, strengthens community, and supports economic resilience countywide,” said San San Wong, arts and creativity program director at the Barr Foundation, in the announcement.
Community foundations participating in the Creative Commonwealth Initiative are required to raise matching funds for Barr’s grants. GWCF surpassed its latest goal ahead of schedule, securing $277,609 from 34 donors, including 22 who contributed through donor-advised funds.
“I’ve been a long-time supporter of arts and culture in Worcester County,” said Phyllis Pollack, a donor and arts advisor, in a press release. “As the largest funder of arts programming in our area, Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s efforts are helping to build a more vibrant Worcester County where creativity thrives and diverse cultures are honored.”
The Barr Foundation’s latest $1 million grant will help GWCF expand its engagement with arts organizations, offer capacity-building support for nonprofits, and provide funding for individual creatives through Mass MoCA’s Assets for Artists program, hosted this year by ArtsWorcester. Additionally, the Worcester Cultural Coalition and Fitchburg Cultural Alliance will receive strategic investments to strengthen the region’s arts sector.
A new $400,000 grant from the Barr Foundation extends support for the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) Access Grant program, which provides funding to local artists and arts nonprofits. Over the next three years, GWCF will oversee the distribution of these grants to ensure continued access to creative opportunities at JMAC.
Implementing the Worcester cultural plan
GWCF is also partnering with the City of Worcester to allocate $574,097 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for arts and culture nonprofits. These funds will help implement the Worcester Cultural Plan, with a focus on smaller and grassroots organizations still recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19.
“Each of these investments underscores the power of collaboration and the arts in shaping a vibrant and inclusive community,” said Pete Dunn, President & CEO of GWCF. “We are honored to steward these funds and help bring the transformative potential of arts and culture to life across Worcester County.”
GWCF welcomes additional contributions to the Creative Worcester County initiative. Donations can be made online or mailed to Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 1 Mercantile Street Suite 010, Worcester, MA, 01608.
Send news releases to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
