The Mass Cultural Council announced more than $6.6 million in funding to community-based projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences—including murals, lectures, festivals, and performances.

The LCC Program—administered by more than 2,400 municipally-appointed volunteers serving communities across the state—received a record-breaking 13,129 applications this cycle. The dedication of LCC members helps ensure that residents can experience and participate in thousands of arts and cultural programs each year.

To show how this annual funding program can support age-and dementia friendly community initiatives, below are a few of the projects that promote healthy aging:

• Duxbury Cultural Council is supporting Talking Information Center Live Radio Play and Broadcast for Blind and Low Vision Listeners, bringing live theater to those who might not have access to it otherwise with the performance of live radio theater and subsequent broadcast for our blind and low vision listeners.
• Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council is supporting The Black Children’s Reading Corner, a 3-day community event by Blactina Media honoring the legacy of writer Dorothy West. It will bring families together to hear Gullah Geechee folklore and stories by Black authors fostering belonging, representation, and cultural awareness. Featuring acclaimed journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault and elder community readers, the program encourages intergenerational connection, meaningful conversations about African American history, and a lasting love of reading.
• Methuen Cultural Council is supporting Artful Aging, encouraging creative connections through senior arts workshops.

More information on the Local Cultural Council Program (LCC) is available here.