Cultural Council

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 seeks applications every fall. Information and forms are available on the Mass Cultural Council website where you can also find the application forms.

The application process for FY24 starts on September 1st and applications are due on October 17, 2023.

Bedford Cultural Council FY24 Priorities

Preference is given to 

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

Bedford Cultural Council FY24 Local Guidelines 

1. Non-resident individuals or organizations
   1.  If your program occurs in Bedford, you must have a predetermined local sponsor and a letter from the sponsor, including the sponsor’s Bedford address, with your application. The letter should specify the type and level of support that the sponsor will provide. The application must identify the venue as either in-person or virtual. Virtual programs must be managed by the sponsor.
   2. If your program does NOT occur in Bedford, you must have a supporting letter from a resident, including their Bedford address, that explains how your program will benefit Bedford residents.
2. 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).
3. Applications must be completed online, including a complete budget and specific project date(s)/timeframes. 
4. Publicity must contain the following acknowledgement: "This program is supported in part by a grant from the Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."  For additional information, refer to  Event Publicity Guidelines.
5. 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. Other Massachusetts Cultural Grant Program Opportunities are described at: http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/programs.asp.
6. Approved grantees must advertise event(s) in local Bedford media.
7. Grants are made on a reimbursement basis only. Once your program has been completed, please send your completed reimbursement form and documentation (invoices, receipts, or paid bills), including costs associated with virtual programming if applicable, evidence that the event took place (programs, photos, etc.), and was credited as required (copies of marketing, in newspapers, etc.) to: Bedford Cultural Council, Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730. You may also email your reimbursement materials to BedfordMACulturalCouncil@gmail.com. Preapproval from the BCC is required for partial reimbursement for projects that happen in more than one phase. Refer to Reimbursement Guidelines for additional information.