The Wellesley Cultural Council is accepting applications from artists, performers, educators and/or organizations for projects that enrich the cultural life of the residents of Wellesley. Applicants may seek funding for community-oriented programs to be presented in 2018, including but not limited to lectures, performances, exhibits, workshops, and/or festivals. Completed applications are due by October 16, 2017. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be reviewed for funding.

The Wellesley Cultural Council is a part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each Local Cultural Council.

Last year, the Wellesley Cultural Council distributed $4,600 in grants for the 2017 grant cycle. Projects that received funding included: the Wellesley Choral Society’s “Glorious! – Glorias of Vivaldi and Ruggieri” concert, the Wellesley Symphony’s community outreach project, Deborah Brown’s “Wellesley Dump Art” photography, the Wellesley Chamber Players’ concert series, performances of “Dancing Through the Decades” and “Music is Love” for the Wellesley Council on Aging, and Wellesley Women Artisans “Art in the Park” project.

Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council program are available online at www.mass-culture.org. Questions can be directed to wellesleyculturalcouncil@gmail.com.