Cultural Council

Description:

The Topsfield Cultural Council (TCC) is the local arm of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  Its members are volunteers who are appointed for a three-year term by the Topsfield Board of Select. One of 335 local cultural councils in the Commonwealth, the Topsfield Cultural Council receives an annual appropriation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to fund cultural programs in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. In addition, through the Matching Incentive Program, the Massachusetts Cultural Council will match any funds allocated to the Topsfield Cultural Council and approved by Town Meeting vote.

The purpose of the Cultural Council is to promote cultural activities in Topsfield through the distribution of those funds received from the State and the Town.  The TCC awards small grants to individuals and organizations that provide or sponsor cultural activities, and offers both full and partial funding, depending on the requested amount.  Eligibility requirements for interested participants, state guidelines regarding the application process and the online application can be accessed through the Mass Cultural Council LLC Toolkit.

Priority is given to local artists and organizations whose work or programs directly benefit the citizens of Topsfield, with a special emphasis on projects that address the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic and the increasing awareness and responses to issues of racial equity.    

Examples of some previous recipients of a grant include the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestra, programs at the Ipswich Wildlife Refuge, magic shows at the town library, craft workshops such as rug braiding, entertainment at the Council on Aging, artist workshops, historical society presentations, joint funding for the Concerts on the Green, and support to the Memory Cafe.  

 

 

Board Members

Name Title
Ava G. Foley Member
Donna M. Hurley Member
Kathleen L. Hunt Chair
Mary MacDonald Secretary
Anthony Bloxham Member
Madeleine Cardello Member