Cultural Council

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

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Members

  • Ah Jin Andie Ryoo, Clerk
    Term Expires: 2027
  • Annemarie Creason, Treasurer
    Term Expires: 2026
  • Barbara Purchia, Chair                                  Term Expires: 2028
  • Carol Epple
    Term Expires: 2027
  • Deb Edinger
    Term Expires: 2028
  • Ellen Hurley 
    Term Expires: 2028
  • Heather Cooprider
    Term Ends: 2028
  • Michael Albert
    Term Expires: 2028
  • Michelle Puntillo
    Term Expires: 2026
  • Roberta Ennis, Ex-Officio
  • Susan Schwartz, Ex-Officio
  • Terrence Parker, Select Board Liaison

Overview

Purpose

To support public projects through the regranting of the annual allocation of funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). These projects shall promote access, education, diversity, and excellence in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences in Bedford.

Responsibilities

  • To solicit community input and assess local cultural needs
  • To establish priorities and guidelines for the review of local grant applications
  • To communicate with the public about its activities
  • To review and recommend action on local grant applications
  • To report to the MCC
  • In addition, the Bedford Cultural Council may also:
    • Raise funds from sources other than the State
    • Initiate Council-originated projects

The Bedford Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by a board of municipally appointed volunteers.

The Bedford Cultural Council receives funding from both the Mass Cultural Council and the Select Board to support educational and community-building projects in arts, humanities, sciences, and performance.

Annual Grant Cycle 

Every fall the Bedford Cultural Council seeks applications from groups or individuals for cultural projects and programs such as festivals, performances, workshops, lectures, public art, exhibits, field trips, and in-school programs. Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that highlight local voices and enrich Bedford’s cultural life. The grant application process is described on the Mass Cultural Council website.

To apply, please go to the Grants Management System.

The application process for FY26 starts on September 2 at 10 AM and applications are due by October 16, 2025, at 10 PM.

Bedford Cultural Council FY26 Priorities

Preference is given to 

  1. Bedford community members
    • Nonprofit organizations 
    • Projects involving local artists
  2. First time funding of projects 
  3. Projects which encourage community-wide participation in the arts, cultural events, graphic arts, fine arts, music, dance, theater, writing, nature, science and environmental education 
  4. Projects which encourage participation by audiences of all ages including multi-generational cultural programs
  5. Projects celebrating cultural diversity and inclusivity
  6. Projects highlighting Bedford's history and institutions

Bedford Cultural Council FY26 Local Guidelines 

  1. Applications must include specific project date(s)/timeframes and a complete budget. 
  2. The Bedford Cultural Council cannot guarantee full funding of any requested amount. Your event must be able to proceed with only partial funding of the requested amount from the Bedford Cultural Council. 
    1. Other Massachusetts Cultural Grant Program Opportunities are described at: http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/programs.asp.
  3. Projects done on town property must have all town related approvals and town department commitments before application submission (i.e., from all relevant permitting authorities and stakeholders).
  4. Non-resident individuals or organizations
    • If your program occurs in Bedford, your application must identify the venue (in-person or virtual) and include:
      1. A predetermined local sponsor 
      2. A letter from the sponsor, including the sponsor’s Bedford address, specifying the type and level of support that the sponsor will provide. Virtual programs must be managed by the sponsor.
    • If your program does NOT occur in Bedford, you must include a supporting letter from a resident, including their Bedford address, that explains how your program benefits Bedford residents.

Grant recipients must follow the event publicity and reimbursement requirements described at: https://www.bedfordma.gov/611/Grant-Recipient-Information