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The Arlington Cultural Council (ACC) is a local council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), and consists of volunteers appointed by the Arlington Board of Selectmen for three-year terms. Its main function is to support and encourage the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences by dispersing funds to deserving applicants. The majority of funds awarded by the ACC are received from the state through the MCC and the Council raises the remaining funds. The ACC meets once a month at a public place, generally at either the Jefferson Cutter House or the
Robbins Library, and all meetings (except for voting meetings) are open to the public.
Every October, the ACC accepts grant applications. The deadline is preceded by several announcements in the Arlington Advocate, as well as by a publicized coaching session for those seeking help in completing their applications. Two presentation evenings are then held, where applicants can elaborate on their projects. These presentations are a valuable way for applicants to bring their projects to life and for council members to get a better idea of the proposed work. Soon thereafter, the Council holds a voting meeting to decide which applications will be funded. Applicants not receiving funds are notified in November, and those receiving funds are apprised of the amount by the end of December (applicants may receive full or partial funding).
Though much of the Cultural Council’s activity is concentrated from October through November, the Council participated in other activities throughout the year. In the spring, the Council held a Community Input Meeting in the Robbins Library Community Room, inviting members of various groups, boards, schools, and organizations in the Town. An MCC representative was also present to provide information and answers to questions. Through a focus-group style meeting, we were able to focus our priorities for the grant year on projects that emphasized collaboration and communication. In June, the Arts Council presented its annual Gideon Cohen Award, given each year to an outstanding fine arts student at Arlington High School. This year, the award was split between two recipients.
The MCC has provided the Arlington Cultural Council with an e-mail address at which members of the council can be reached: arlington@mass-culture.org.
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