Acushnet Town Hall
122 Main Street
Acushnet, MA 02743

Telephone: 508-998-0200
Fax: 508-998-0203


Grant Funds received annually from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support programs and projects for individual artists, art organizations and children’s programs (PASS).

"Our priorities are the town’s school children, our senior citizens and local art organizations." - Walter S. Dalton, Jr. (Chairman)

Members

• Walter S. Dalton, Jr. - (Ex-Officio)
• Dianna Couto
• Jeanette Francis
• Edward Macomber
• Lisa Leonard
• Jeanne M. Siwik

Deadline

The deadline for submitting request is on October 15 each year.

What is the Acushnet Cultural Council?
The Acushnet Cultural Council (ACC) is a group of citizens who have been appointed by the Selectmen to administer funds appropriated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) for the purpose of providing events in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences for the residents of Acushnet.

Who may be appointed to the ACC?
Anyone! The only requirement is that you believe that cultural events of all kinds are very important for Acushnet. An aptitude for or experience in the arts is not necessary.

Where do the funds come from?
Once a year, the legislature votes funding for the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC).  The funds come directly from Lottery revenue and not from tax dollars. The MCC also receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. The MCC divides the monies over the entire Commonwealth using a formula which includes factors such as population and others. It is the job of the local cultural council, in our case the ACC, to allocate these funds for the purpose of presenting cultural events for the citizens of Acushnet. This money is a grant (gift) to the town and is not included in the tax rate. In September, the council is notified of the amount of money that will be available for grants for the following year. Artists, musicians, organizations and schools are offered the opportunity to participate in the application process to receive a portion of the funds. The ACC reviews the applications for suitability and then votes on the use of the funds. The applications are submitted to the MCC and funds are received by the Town Treasurer and put in a separate interest bearing account.

When does the council meet?
The council meets four to five times a year - mostly during the Fall funding cycle.

Can I attend a meeting without being a member?
Of course! We would enjoy having you. Meeting times and locations are posted on the bulletin board in the Town Hall. All meetings are open to the public. The ACC holds a Community Input Meeting to determine the needs and wishes of the citizens. We encourage you to attend and share your insights.

What if I decide to join?
All that is required is that a letter of interest be submitted to the Chairman of the ACC for recommendation to the Selectmen. After you receive an official acceptance you must be sworn in at the Town Clerk's office. Terms are for a three-year period.

Grants Previously Funded by the ACC

• Fort Taber Museum
• Acushnet Art Show
• Concerts on the Green
• Concerts at the Meetinghouse
• Music for Seniors at COA
• Storytellers at the Library
• New Bedford Festival Theatre
• NBSO Youth Concerts
• Zeiterion Family Fun Series
• PASS Programs for the three schools in Acushnet
   

MISSION STATEMENT
"The purpose of the Acushnet Cultural Council is to provide programs of excellence in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences to the citizens of Acushnet. It is our goal to tap the resources of as many of the arts as possible to provide diverse programming for all age groups."

• Call Walter S. Dalton for information after 6:00 P.M. at 508-995-0941
   

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