Community Initiative - Mass Cultural Council

10/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Mass Cultural Council Cape & Islands Community Initiative Convening yesterday! It was a wonderful day of connection and learning.

It was so wonderful to bring together Local Cultural Councils, Cultural Districts, municipal staff, tourism partners, and artists from across the region at The 204, Cultural Arts Municipal Building in Harwich. Panelists shared their experiences with building partnerships and creating public art that reflects the communities it serves, and the conversations that followed were full of great ideas.

A big thank you to our host partner, the Town of Harwich, and to Kara Mewhinney for the warm welcome and a tour of the 204.

We’re so grateful for everything you all do to keep the arts, humanities, and sciences thriving across the Cape and Islands!

10/16/2026

Public art is popping up all over Northborough!

The Northborough Cultural Council has completed two new public art projects, made possible through ARPA funding and support from the Town of Northborough.

Seasons of Northborough, a colorful mural by local artist Melissa Stratton-Pandina, now brightens a wall at Town Hall.

Apples Around Town features ten artist-designed apples, created entirely by Massachusetts artists and a Massachusetts fabricator, on display at Town Hall, local schools, and other public buildings. The apples honor Northborough’s agricultural heritage while showcasing a wide range of artistic styles.

These projects celebrate local creativity and bring art into the everyday places where residents of all ages gather!

Learn more: https://northboroughculture.org/
Learn more about the Northborough Cultural Council: https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/northborough/

Photos by: Northborough Cultural Council

10/15/2026

🎨 Calling all artists! 🎨

The Bedford Cultural District is looking for artwork to fill seven new large-scale outdoor frames, where selected pieces will be displayed as printed banners for the community to enjoy.

💰 $250 stipend for each selected artist

Learn more and submit your work here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0GZJghk4xPmPymy0EqZeFQjS8PqGHgS_TbnjyLnh9fgAaug/viewform

CALL FOR ARTISTS
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0GZJghk4xPmPymy0EqZeFQjS8PqGHgS_TbnjyLnh9fgAaug/viewform

10/15/2026

Be sure to submit your Local Cultural Council grant application by 11:59 PM EST tonight: https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/

10/14/2026

The South Hadley Redevelopment Authority is seeking artists to submit concept proposals for a “Welcome to South Hadley” sign or other creative installation.

The winning design will receive a $500 prize! Proposals should include the sign materials and construction specifications, and the design must meet the requirements outlined in the flyer.

Interested? Submit your proposal by email to Anne Capra at [email protected]. You can also reach out to Anne with questions or to arrange a visit to the site. Deadline: December 1, 2026

Learn more: https://www.southhadley.org/462/Redevelopment-Authority

10/13/2026

Organized by the Amesbury Cultural Council, the Amesbury Open Studios returns November 14–15 for its 30th anniversary!

Artists and makers throughout Amesbury will open their working studios to the public for tours, demonstrations, shopping, and conversation. Visitors can also find guest artists at pop-up locations throughout the city, along with musical performances, hands-on art activities, children’s activities, restaurant specials, and more. There will also be a free trolley connecting visitors to studio locations throughout town.

Learn more and find the event map: https://amesburyopenstudios.com/

November 14–15 | Amesbury, MA

10/08/2026

Calling book lovers and aspiring writers! The Voices of the Valley Book Festival is coming to Newburyport November 14–15.

The festival will feature local authors speaking on panels covering fiction, nonfiction, self-help, and children’s books, along with Spotlight speakers sharing insights on writing, editing, publishing, and book marketing.

November 14–15
Apollo Sunrise Center
26 Parker Street, Newburyport

Learn more: https://apollosunrise.com/
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/voices-of-the-valley-featuring-local-authors-tickets-1983987474945

10/08/2026

One week until the Mass Cultural Council Local & Tribal Cultural Council grant application deadline!

LCC & TCC grant applications are due Thursday, October 15. If you’re planning to apply for funding, make sure to submit your application by the deadline.

Have questions about the application process? Watch the recorded FY27 LCC & TCC Applicant Information Session for an overview of the program and application process: https://youtu.be/KZg9yyxbkaQ

Learn more and apply: https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/

Learn more about applying for a Local or Tribal Cultural Council gr...

10/07/2026

Check out this video from Norwood Community Media - NCM highlighting a recent mural project supported by the Norwood Cultural Council, Norwood MA!

The mural brings community stories and local creativity together in a beautiful public art project. Take a look at the video to learn more about how the mural came together and the people behind it.

Watch the video: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/programs/show/many-stories-one-norwood-mural-2026-1-14394/

Watch Many Stories One Norwood Mural 2026 produced by Kiki Thaxter aired September 30, 2026 (7:24)

10/07/2026

The International Book Fair, Inc. returns to Lawrence October 16–17 for its 20th anniversary, with this year’s event dedicated to “The Voices of the Caribbean.”

Hosted at the Lawrence Public Library, the two-day celebration will bring together authors, poets, artists, educators, and readers for a weekend of books, storytelling, art, and cultural exchange. Programming will explore immigration, identity, diaspora experiences, family and community, equity, justice, and diversity.

All events are free and open to the public!

October 16–17, 2026
Lawrence Public Library
51 Lawrence Street, Lawrence

Learn more and register: https://www.internationalbookfair.org/