More than a quarter-million dollars is available to Worcester artists, cultural organizations and community programs in the coming year, with applications now open for the Worcester Arts Council’s latest round of grants.
The council is accepting applications through Oct. 15 for its fiscal 2027 funding cycle, backed by $244,500 from the Mass Cultural Council and another $15,000 from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for artist fellowships.
The money is then distributed through two programs: project grants supporting arts, humanities and interpretive science programs in Worcester, and fellowship grants that give individual artists funding to develop their work without tying the award to a particular project or public presentation.
“When we fund the arts, we invest in the people and ideas that give our city its character, tell our stories, and bring our communities together,” Worcester Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks said in the announcement. “Sustained investment in creativity is essential to ensuring Worcester continues to grow as a vibrant arts city where bold ideas can take root and thrive.”
The council’s project grants are open to individuals, nonprofits, schools, libraries, public agencies and associations with an established nonprofit objective. Applicants must have a residential, commercial or studio address in Worcester County, while the projects themselves must take place in Worcester and provide a tangible benefit to city residents.
Fellowship grants are available to individual artists in any discipline who maintain a residential, commercial or studio address in Worcester.
The council will give added consideration this year to projects involving arts education and instruction, public art and musical performances, as well as programs serving people across age groups, from children to seniors.
Other priorities include projects that elevate the experiences and work of historically marginalized groups and those that take place in or benefit historically underserved areas of Worcester. The priorities were developed from feedback collected through the council’s annual Funding Priorities Survey, according to the announcement.
“Supporting artists is essential to a vibrant and life-giving culture,” Worcester Arts Council Chair Chris Michelotti said in the announcement. “These grants are one of many resources the council provides to our amazing community of artists that bring so much joy to the greater Worcester area.”
The Worcester Arts Council is part of a statewide network of local cultural councils funded annually by the Mass Cultural Council.
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 15, and late applications will not be accepted. The council expects to review applications in November and December, with funding decisions announced by late January.
The council also plans to hold a virtual workshop for prospective applicants, with first-time applicants particularly encouraged to participate. Details will be announced through the Worcester Arts Council’s Instagram account.
Grant guidelines and applications are available through the city’s Cultural Development Division.
