Community Initiative - Mass Cultural Council

05/30/2026

The SHORT AND GREAT Film Festival Comes to Shelburne Falls next Saturday, June 6th at 7:30 pm! Tickets are $6 cash at the door (5 tickets for $20!) or reserve in advance: https://www.shantigar.org/film-festival

Presented by Shantigar Foundation & Thomas Edison Film Festival, this event features an exciting night of short films, documentaries, dance, and animated films, followed by Q&A with Festival Director Jane Steuerwald.

Thank you to the Buckland Cultural Council, Charlemont-Hawley Cultural Council, and Shelburne Cultural Council for funding this special film event.

05/29/2026

Last night, our Community Initiative Team attended the Concord Cultural Council Grant Reception at the historic Wright Tavern located in the Concord Center Cultural District.

The evening opened with a performance by violinist Sarah Whitney, a CCC grantee celebrated for her musical versatility and innovation, who set a beautiful tone for the night. Grantees then shared a bit about the projects and programs made possible through the Concord Cultural Council's support, and the energy in the room was something special.

A heartfelt thank you to the Concord Cultural Council, the Wright Tavern Center, and the broader Concord cultural community for making it all happen. Town of Concord is also home to two vibrant Cultural Districts, West Concord Junction Cultural District and Concord Center Cultural District, and evenings like this are a great reminder of why.

To learn more about the Local Cultural Council program, visit: https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/

05/29/2026

The Natick Center Cultural District has a gift card that works at shops, restaurants, and service businesses all across downtown Natick!

One card, dozens of independent local spots. Birthdays, thank-yous, congratulations, or just because.

When you spend it, the money stays in the district and supports the artists, makers, and small business owners who give Natick Center its character.

Pick one up: https://natickcenter.org/gift-card/

05/28/2026

🎶 Live music by the Bikeway this Sunday in Arlington! 🎶

This Sunday, May 31, the Arlington Tiny Shed Arts & Discovery Series brings jazz, funk and soul from Arlington Express to the Arlington Visitor Center, plus a visit from "midnight rider" William Dawes for the Arlington250 celebration.

Music runs 12:30 to 2 pm, outdoors, weather permitting. The Visitor Center is open 11 am to 3 pm with art, crafts, and self-guided tour info. Find us by Uncle Sam Plaza, where Mass Ave meets Mystic Street.

The series runs every weekend through October. See the full lineup: artsarlington.org/tinyshed

Thanks to Arts Arlington for putting this together. Part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History.

05/28/2026

The Communities Team joined the Melrose Cultural Council for a grant reception celebrating grantees!

Learn more about the Melrose CC and the projects they funded for FY26: massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/melrose/

05/27/2026

The MAPC FY27 Accelerating Climate Resilience (ACR) Grant Program is still accepting proposals for 12-month projects (up to $50,000), with preference for regional collaborations until Friday, May 29th, 5pm!

Eligible applicants include the 101 cities and towns in the MAPC region and lead entities and/or 501(c)3 organizations that work in and serve the people of the MAPC region. Community-based organizations without 501(c)(3) status are encouraged to partner with their municipality to submit an application.

Learn more & apply:

MAPC is working with the Barr Foundation to fund projects that protect people, places, and communities from the impact of climate change.

05/26/2026

What a joy the Community Initiative Team had at the Saugus Community Festival hosted by the Saugus Cultural Council - MA! The was turned into a multi-cultural festival filled with smiling faces enjoying tabling, arts & crafts, music, dance, food and hands-on community workshops!

Learn more about the Saugus Cultural Council: massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/saugus/

Thank you to Brittany Rubin for the wonderful photos!

05/26/2026

Join The Movimento Project - Contemporary Dance for "Unscripted 2026 Dance Workshops" every Tuesday until June 16th 5:30PM-7:00PM!

This six-week workshop series at the Wellfleet Preservation Hall is for people who are interested in exploring their own moving body as an aesthetic experience and as art. Learn more: https://www.wellfleetpreservationhall.org/calendar

05/26/2026

Acting Executive Director David Slatery's essay for Mass Humanities' “People’s Guide to the Revolution”