$588,900 Investment into the MetroWest's Cultural Sector

From the Mass Cultural Council

HOPKINTON – Yesterday at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Mass Cultural Council celebrated a $588,900 state investment into the cultural sector of the MetroWest Region - to date - in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

“Throughout the MetroWest, artists and cultural organizations are at the heart of community life - they preserve local traditions, inspire creativity, and connect residents and visitors alike through shared experiences,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Through these investments, we’re sustaining the region’s unique creative spirit while strengthening its economy, workforce, and sense of belonging.”

As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.

To date, Mass Cultural Council has awarded grants to 43 cultural organizations throughout the MetroWest, totaling $302,500:

• Creative Experiences: 30 organizations received a total of $135,000 to support public activities that incorporate the arts, humanities, and/or interpretive sciences.

• Operating Grants for Organizations and the Cultural Investment Portfolio: 10 organizations received a combined $152,500 in unrestricted operating support.

• Universal Participation Innovation Fund: 3 organizations received a total of $15,000 to plan and implement accessibility systems, ensuring their programming is accessible to all audiences.

In addition, 24 Local Cultural Councils received $286,400 to regrant locally, supporting arts and culture projects in every community across the region.

Local legislative leaders joined Mass Cultural Council at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts yesterday:

“This is what Mass Cultural Council is all about, delivering resources to organizations that make a real difference in this community,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D- Ashland). “Massachusetts will continue to recognize the importance that arts and culture play in everyone’s life. Not only does it bring joy and community, but it also brings jobs and economic impact.”

“Mass Cultural Council does an amazing job supporting arts so they can share their gifts with our communities,” said State Rep. James Arena-DeRosa (D- Holliston). “I want to thank all of these organizations receiving funding today for sharing their gifts with our communities.”

“The arts have always been near and dear to my heart,” said State Rep. Joshua Tarsky (D- Needham). “These investments ensure that organizations across MetroWest can continue producing live performances, running classes, hosting exhibitions, and making culture accessible.”

Grant recipients were also given the opportunity to reflect on the impact of their award:

“I want to thank the Mass Cultural Council for the operating grant that we have received,” said Jean Mineo, Executive Director, Bellforge Arts Center. “It’s incredibly important for an organization like ours to receive this kind of support – to pay artists, audio engineers, and still offer free programming.”

During the celebration, the Agency also highlighted its continued strategic focus on advancement, broadening the reach of arts and culture into other sectors. Over the past two years, Mass Cultural Council has developed new cross-sector partnerships, resources, and opportunities for the cultural community statewide.

Through this work, Mass Cultural Council aims to:

• Position the arts and culture sector as a visible, recognized resource and essential partner in problem-solving across the Commonwealth.

• Leverage new economic resources from outside the sector for the benefit of those within.

“Grantmaking is one of the most important tools we have to sustain and strengthen the cultural community,” said Bobbitt. “But through advancement, we are working to secure new resources and build long-term partnerships to ensure the arts and creativity are seen not just as valuable, but as essential thought partners in solving the challenges of today.”

Massachusetts’ Fiscal Year 2026 runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Throughout the year, Mass Cultural Council will continue administering several grant programs for creative individuals, cultural organizations, youth arts programming, and creative communities. The Agency will continue to celebrate these public investments, grant recipients, and cultural sector partners at regional gatherings next spring.