News

posted January 31, 2023

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2023

Contacts: Jason Webb, Jim Bracciale, Melrose Cultural Council Co-Chairs

Email: melrosecultural@gmail.com

Melrose Cultural Council Announces 2023 Project Grants

Melrose, MA: The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is pleased to announce its 2023 project grants for the cultural enrichment of the Melrose community. The MCC allocated over $19,000 in funding across 24 arts and cultural programs, including projects in the visual arts, music, theater, and dance, as well as the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences. These programs have the appeal and potential to reach the diverse population and cultures within our community—attracting adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors.

“The 39 proposals submitted this year by individuals and non-profit organizations were the most we’ve ever received, which speaks to the creative pool of local talent in our community,” say Council Co-chair Jason Webb. “We encourage the Melrose public to support these local offerings by attending the broad range of events planned throughout 2023.

The full list of 2023 grantees and grant amounts is available here. MCC grantees meet criteria laid out by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, as well as local criteria established by a 2022 Melrose community survey. The next grant cycle opens in the fall of 2023.

The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, the MCC is committed to supporting programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations and MA individuals, artists, and presenters in partnership with local organizations.

News

posted January 31, 2023

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2023

Contact: Jason Webb, Jim Bracciale, Melrose Cultural Council Co-Chairs

Email: melrosecultural@gmail.com 

Melrose Cultural Council Seeks New Board Members in 2023

Melrose, MA: The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is currently seeking three new council members to fill current vacancies. Council members should have a demonstrated interest or record of service to the arts, humanities, or sciences. In addition to this background, the MCC is actively seeking new members with experience in the following areas: digital marketing and communications, publicity and press relations, advocacy, community outreach and engagement, graphic design, artist or event management, grant writing, and local government. The term of council membership is three years; members can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms or a total of six years. The council meets regularly on a monthly basis.

We welcome inquiries about board membership from Melrose residents with a variety of arts interests, skills, and backgrounds, as well as identities inclusive of race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual identity, ability, religion, age, education, national origin, citizenship, and ethnicity. If you are interested in finding out more, you are encouraged to email melrosecultural@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning January 30.

About the Council: The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, MCC is committed to supporting programs that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations, individuals, and organizers and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. We support programs across all arts disciplines—visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing—as well as projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences. Our goal is to provide financial support to a variety of projects that collectively appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community—reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors.

Priorities: Our 2023 priorities are informed by an annual community outreach survey. Survey results can be found on our website: https://melroseculture.org/about  We actively encourage grant proposals that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities, are favorably considered. We prioritize projects with broad public appeal and impact that are presented in a variety of accessible settings. We also give preference to projects that encourage community building, social connections, and dialog. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives, particularly those that involve young people or first-time applicants, are openly encouraged. Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded. Twenty-four grants were awarded in 2023, with the MCC disbursing more than $19,000 in grant funding. Awards typically range from $400 to $2,000.

News

posted Aug 12, 2022

Fun Fact: You don’t need to be a registered nonprofit to get your creative project funded in Melrose!

Creative Melrosians invited to “Pitch Perfect” networking event to learn about local funding.

The newly formed Melrose Creative Alliance and partners are inviting creative Melrosians and arts and cultural producing organizations to a networking event to learn more about funding sources for creative community projects. 

“Pitch Perfect” is a free, friendly networking event open to the public, September 10, 9am-10:30 am at the MMTV studios at 360 Main Street in Melrose.  

Attendees will be able to meet and network with representatives from partner funding organizations: Melrose Cultural Council, Melrose Messina Fund for the Arts, Melrose Rotary Club, and Melrose Bank Foundation. This is also an opportunity to meet other creatives and find partners, get advice from local arts administrators, learn more about MMTV and other resources, see examples of other successful projects like the Opening Doors Project, and check out our Arts Marketing Toolkit.

This event is free and open to individuals, volunteer groups, and nonprofit organizations alike. Melrose funding organizations are seeking diverse perspectives and themes, and we encourage everyone with a creative project idea to come share your ideas and seek guidance. Register HERE!

News

posted Aug 31, 2022

Melrose Cultural Council Grant Cycle now Open!
Accepting creative proposals September 1st through October 17th for the 2023 Calendar Year

Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is seeking proposals for community-oriented arts, cultural, and interpretive sciences events with broad public benefit. The 2023 Local Cultural Council (LCC) grant application cycle opens September 1st. The deadline is Monday, October 17th. Our goal is to provide financial support on a direct granting basis to a variety of projects that appeal to the diverse population and cultures of our community — reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors. Information about the online application, eligibility guidelines, local priorities, and past grants can be found here. 

Grant Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have a date scheduled for their event during the upcoming calendar year (January 1-December 31, 2023) with a local ADA-compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities. The Melrose Cultural Council grants partial funds for approved projects. Proposals must demonstrate they have additional sources of funding (sponsorship, ticket sales, etc.). We do not accept requests for capital expenditures, individual scholarships, refreshments, or multi-year repeating programs. We encourage first-time applications.

Organizers considering writing a proposal are welcome to contact the MCC to ask questions or to receive feedback on proposals before submitting. Applicants are also encouraged to attend “Pitch Perfect” — a free, friendly networking event open to the public on September 10th, 9am-10:30am, at the MMTV studios at 360 Main Street in Melrose. Applicants can learn about funding opportunities in Melrose and get feedback on their creative ideas for proposals.Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded. Twenty-two grants were awarded in 2022, ranging from $300 to $2,000.

Priorities: Our 2023 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. Priority will be given to projects that build community through social connections and dialogue. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives that produce free public events and activities in outdoor spaces are favorably welcomed.

News

posted July 27, 2022

YOU can help decide arts funding in Melrose!

The Melrose Cultural Council is asking the community to help inform arts funding in Melrose. Local cultural councils across the Commonwealth send annual community surveys to help determine funding priorities for individual cities and towns. The state agency, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, sets forth a specific set of funding guidelines for state arts and cultural funds. The results of these local surveys further help define funding priorities that are specific to our community.

We appreciate hearing from you. Please take a moment to complete HERE.

About the Council: The Melrose Cultural Council is the local affiliate (LCC) of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  The Melrose Cultural Council seeks to promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations, individuals, and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. We encourage and support programs across all arts and disciplines – visual arts, music, drama, dance, writing, projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences.  Events may include concerts, theater and dance performances, artists-in-residence, poetry slams, festivals, workshops, exhibits, public art, murals and installations.

News

posted March 31, 2022

Melrose Cultural Council Adopts More Equitable Grant-Making Process

Through unanimous vote by The Melrose Cultural Council at its March 2022 meeting, the Council passed a resolution to pay future grantees through a direct grant, eliminating a prior requirement that funding be paid on a reimbursement basis only. The direct grant option offers the Melrose Cultural Council the ability to pay out grant funding in full and up front to all future grant recipients. 

“This change to how we fund our next wave of grants will lessen the financial burden to our future grantees and create a more equitable grant-making process,” says Council Chair Jason Webb. “By forwarding funding at the time of awarding a grant, our hope is that we will attract grant submissions from a broader and more diverse group of applicants.”

In 2022, the Melrose Cultural Council allocated $18,050 in funding across 22 arts and cultural projects spanning visual art, music, theatre, public art and placemaking, and more. The FY23 grant process opens in September 2022.

News

posted Feb 1, 2022

The Cultural Council, Messina Fund for the Arts, and a planning team across multiple creative disciplines invite YOU – arts and culture producers, arts consumers and self-identifying creatives – to a Melrose Arts Summit. 

What you can expect:

• Learn how the Melrose Cultural Council and Messina Fund are working together to better support our arts sector;

• Share your vision for a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable arts and cultural sector;

• Workshop ideas on how we can work together to achieve shared goals;

• Enjoy a networking lunch with fellow creative Melrosians;

• Inspire and be inspired!

Creative facilitator:  Emily Barghava, The Connection Lab & The Beautiful Stuff Project
Guest speaker: Karen Ristuben, Arts & Culture Director of Essex County Community Foundation & Creative County Initiative
Musical performance by Jose Allende
Creative participatory project with Follow Your Art Community Studios
Lunch generously provided by BT’s Backyard BBQ and Theo’s Pizza!

This event is FREE; registration is required. Deadline = Tuesday, March 1.

Please select one:

_

Your experience in this event is important to us. If you have a disability (including but not limited to learning or attention, mental health, vision, mobility, hearing, physical or other health related), require communication access services for the deaf or hard of hearing, or believe that you require a reasonable accommodation for another reason please contact our event organizers by February 14, 2022 to discuss your needs: melrose.arts.summit@gmail.com or 781-218-9143 (please leave a message).

A note about health and safety:

We are closely following local COVID-19 rates. Masks are required at this event, as well as either vaccinations or proof of negative COVID test within last 72 hours before the event. If it looks like we need to postpone this event due to COVID safety, we will make a decision and announcement on Tuesday, March 1st.

ARTS Summit planning and advising team:

Maggie Moore Abdow
Linda Apple
Jim Bennett
Elizabeth Christopher 
Jessi Eisdorfer
Arleen Frasca
Steven Jolan
Jen Leclerc
Jim Oosterman
Jenne Rayburn
Ruby Robicheau
Christopher Robinson
Kris Rodolico

News

January 2022

Melrose Cultural Council announces 2022 grantees

The Melrose Cultural Council is pleased to announce the grantees for the 2022 calendar year in arts and culture. The MCC allocated $18,050 in funding across 22 arts and cultural projects spanning visual art, music, theatre, public art and placemaking, and more. The year-long slate of programs have the potential to reach a diverse audience of our youngest and oldest Melrosians, and everyone in between. 

“We are looking forward to enthusiastically supporting the arts in Melrose as we emerge from a very challenging period,” says Council Chair Jason Webb. “We have tremendous talent and enthusiasm for the arts in Melrose and we encourage everyone to support our artists and cultural organizations.”

MCC grantees meet criteria laid out by the MA Cultural Council, as well as local criteria established by a 2021 Melrose community survey. The next grant cycle opens in the fall of 2022. 

The Melrose Cultural Council is the local affiliate (LCC) of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature. The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) supports programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and racial equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Programs are funded across a wide array of disciplines, including visual arts, music, drama, dance, writing, culture, history, and humanities. Grants are given to Melrose organizations and MA individuals, artists and presenters in partnership with local organizations. 

News

September 2021

We have money, and we want to spend it on YOUR creative ideas!
Come to our open house for tips to make your “Pitch Perfect”

Open house! You do not need to be a nonprofit organization.

WHAT you will get from attending:

• Learn about grant application processes and deadlines

• Chat out your ideas with professionals in music, theatre, and public art administration

• Meet other creative people, find project partners

• Browse our database of MA public artists

• Check out our Arts Marketing Toolkit

• Check out creative ideas from other communities

• Add creative ideas to our arts mood board

WHO you can meet and chat with:

• Jason Webb, Melrose Cultural Council

• Eileen Christiansen, Melrose Cultural Council

• Jen Leclerc, Melrose Cultural Council

• Maggie Abdow, Melrose Messina Fund for the Arts, and Director of Development for Central Square Theater

• Jessie Eisdorfer, Melrose Symphony Orchestra

• Lenore Gauthier Smith, Public Art Administrator for MHS mural

We can’t wait to hear your creative ideas for Melrose!

News

August 2021

Melrose Cultural Council seeks new members

The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is a twelve member volunteer board appointed by the Mayor. We are seeking four new council members to replace those whose terms have ended. Council members should have a demonstrated interest or record of service to the arts, humanities or sciences.  In addition to this background, the MCC is actively seeking new members with interest and experience in the following areas: marketing & communications, publicity, advocacy, community outreach, design, artist or event management, grant writing and local government. The term of membership for a Council member is three years; members can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms or a total of six years.  The Council meets on a monthly basis.    

We welcome inquiries about board membership from residents with a variety of arts interests, skills and backgrounds, as well as identities inclusive of race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual identity, ability, religion, age, education, national origin, citizenship, and ethnicity. If you are interested in finding out more, you are encouraged to email melrosecultural@gmail.com.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About the Council: The Melrose Cultural Council is the local affiliate (LCC) of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  The Melrose Cultural Council seeks to promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations, individuals, and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. We encourage and support programs across all arts and disciplines –  visual arts, music, drama, dance, writing, projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences.  Events may include concerts, theater and dance performances, artists-in-residence, poetry slams, festivals, workshops, exhibits, public art, murals and installations.

Priorities: Our 2021 priorities are informed by a  recent community outreach survey. We actively encourage applications that promote inclusion, diversity and equity. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as POC, Latinx, LGBTQ, black, immigrant, indigenous, or live with disabilities, will be favorably considered. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives, particularly those that involve young people, are encouraged. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities on the website. We encourage first time applications. Organizers considering writing a grant, are welcome to contact the Melrose Cultural Council to ask questions, or receive feedback on proposals before submitting. Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded. Twenty-one grants were awarded last year, from thirty-four submissions. Awards have ranged from $100 to $1,500.

News

February 2021

Melrose Cultural Council 2021 Grantees

The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC)  is pleased to announce our 2021 project grants for the enrichment of our Melrose community! The MCC allocated $15,150  in funding across 19 arts and cultural projects spanning visual art, music, theatre, dance, placemaking, and more. These programs will reach our youngest and oldest Melrosians, and everyone in between. Here is a sneak peak at what’s coming to Melrose in 2021…

Notes:  MCC grants must meet criteria laid out by the MA Cultural Council, as well as local criteria established by a 2020 Melrose community survey. MCC grants are reimbursed only upon successful presentation of these programs. MCC is not responsible if the organization or individual is unable to produce the event. Grant funds will not be allocated in the event of cancelations.

Art in the Parklets, $1500

As part of the Melrose Pedestrian & Bicyclist Committee’s “Shared Streets and Spaces” project, four public parklets were installed in Melrose this fall. The committee partnered with Follow Your Art Community studios to produce and install community-driven artwork in the Main Street parklet, which was very well received by the community. Parklets are open to all and provide safe outdoor seating proximate to community businesses. There is an expressed interest from the City, the Ped/Bike team, and the community for art to be displayed in all parklets, with a target to install in Spring 2021. The Council applauds this creative placemaking initiative in Melrose.

Melrose Dance Festival, Christina Leonard, $1500

An exciting day long outdoor festival of live dance performances, audience participation, and engaging dance education activities. Produced and moderated by Christina Leonard, along with an emcee and a music professional, this project provides a nonstop festival-flow for a day-long event that the public can attend freely.

Melrose Symphony Orchestra Opening Night, $1500

The MSO is back! Coming off the heels of their longest hiatus in history, the Melrose Symphony will kick off their 104th Season with a celebration of music and community. Opening Night will be a stirring return to the Memorial Hall stage. 

Blues at the Beebe, $1450

A blues and folk concert curated by award winning blues guitarist and Melrose resident, Peter Parcek, featuring acclaimed local Melrosians and MA musicians. 

Melrose Porchfest, $1000

Annual musical festival that takes place on porches and in backyards throughout Melrose. The festival features local amateur, semi- professional and professional musicians from Melrose and  neighbouring towns. Music genres include jazz, rock, latin rock, pop, blues, and traditional irish music. The day-long event is free and open to the community.

Greater Boston Stage Company, $1000
Discounted theatre tickets for Melrose seniors and students. Greater Boston Stage Company intends to be live again in Fall 2021! These Council funds help the Theater provide discounted tickets for Melrose students & seniors. Last season, 25% of all Melrose resident tickets sold were discounted for this audience, saving our seniors and students $6,000 and encouraging more theatre experiences in Melrose! 

Music at the Market, Melrose Farmer’s Market, $1000
The Melrose Farmers’ Market (MFM) is a beloved community event in Bowden Park every Thursday from June to October and at the YMCA in November and December. Local musicians are invited to play in the park and at the indoor markets. Music is a central part of the MFM and provides a backdrop for the community to gather each week. 

Melrose Kindness Day artist-designed promotional materials, $800

The mission of #melrosekind is to encourage the celebration of kindness in our community of Melrose. This self-appointed November 20th holiday is Melrose Random Acts of Kindness Day. Kindness promotion tools include posters, stickers and kindness cards. This grant will be used to work with Melrose artist Sara Gravante to design new materials, as well as production of enough Kindness Warrior stickers for anyone in Melrose who wants to celebrate kindness!

Melrose Open Studios Tour, $750
In 2021, Melrose Open Studio Tour (MOST) will celebrate its 5th anniversary as a community event where Melrose artists invite the public into their creative spaces. Over the years, MOST has grown to approximately 25 locations and 50 artists in Melrose, and has evolved from a one-day event to a month-long calendar of activities. If our event can be in-person, we will kick off with an opening at the Beebe Estate in early November, followed by pop-ups and demonstrations each weekend. The main event will be November 20-21, when artists will open up their home studios as well as group studios in various locations. 

Hip Hop Dance Chair Exercise for Seniors, $600
In partnership with Melrose Council on Aging

Melrose seniors will travel on the “Soul Train” and dance from their chairs to “clean” versions of hip hop and R&B songs. Fun props such as drums and maracas make this soul train journey come to life, and leave our seniors feeling limber and rejuvenated. All aboard the Hip Hop Soul Train Exercise Express!

Wonderland Spectacle, $600

Begun as a project for the Boston Children's Museum during COVID, these art and nature videos for kids guide viewers on virtual family hikes to familiar local spots like the Middlesex Fells Reservation and Pine Banks Park, while learning about wildlife of the area. The videos teach kids at home about nature in their own communities, offer creative projects, inspire kids to get outside, and model safe outdoor activities.

Virtual Family Art Night, Follow Your Art Community Studios, $575

An opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn and create together from home with instruction and take-home supply kits provided by FYACS. The team will instruct participants how to photograph their projects for a virtual art show to be shared on social media following the event.

Delvena Theatre Company: "13 Things About Ed Carpolotti"  $520

In partnership with Melrose Council on Aging. A touching live comedy about a widow whose wheeler-dealer husband has left her in debt to banks, her family and the mob. As she struggles to escape her creditors, she discovers a mysterious list of "13 Things" embarrassing to Ed that will help her out of her crisis.

Music with Helder, YMCA, $500

The Melrose YMCA Academy provides high quality early learning for approximately 100 children in preschool and Kindergarten. Students enjoy weekly music instruction with Music Director Helder Tsinine. Children learn and sing age appropriate songs and sample clean musical instruments. This program is one of the highlights of the YMCA Academy, and caregivers appreciate the value of music instruction in their children’s weekly schedule.

“With Love ALLWays: A Celebration of Beloved Songs” $440

A cabaret performance of Broadway classics and more offered from a different perspective. Students from the Manhattan School of Music Musical Theatre program will present pieces typically sung by conventionally male or female perspectives and perform them from a different perspective. We love all music, and when we can remove the role identities associated with our favorite songs, we believe all of us can love these songs all ways.

Look What’s Happening Melrose, $435

A free online resource to list and find community events in Melrose.  www.lookwhatshappening.org

Musical Videos for Melrose Seniors, $430

In partnership with Melrose Council on Aging. A new music video concert by Denise Doucette for senior residents. Featuring scenery from Nova Scotia & New England, Denise plays guitar and performs a full set of original and proven favorite songs including her original "The Rocking Chair" duet with her mother Becky Doucette, a Fuller House resident. 

“Stephano: The True Story Of Shakespeare's Shipwreck” $300

Hit and Run History presents a free public screening of this one hour documentary, which traces the story of Stephen Hopkins, the only Mayflower passenger who had been to the New World previously. We trace his beginnings in Hampshire, subsequent shipwreck on Bermuda, death sentence for mutiny, commutation and service at Jamestown, return to England with Pocahontas, and his ultimate voyage back to New England in 1620. Hopkins' misadventures were immortalized in Shakespeare's final play “The Tempest” as inspiration for the drunken Stephano. 

Talewise: Aliens Escape from Earth, $250

The North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network will collaborate with the Melrose Public Library to bring two virtual science programs to Melrose families during February and April vacation weeks. Talewise shows provide a unique, powerful exposure to science that supplements student classroom learning and reinforces the important concept that science is fun, exciting, and accessible. Every Talewise show features an exciting animated story, engaging science content, and an enthusiastic host to guide you along on the adventure!

We invite your questions and feedback:   melrosecultural@gmail.com

News

February 2021

Mayor Brodeur sits down with MHS senior Nirvana Ragland and junior Ruby Robicheau to chat about their interest in Melrose arts and culture, civic engagement, and their plans for the future. Meet these impressive students!

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News

February 2021

Youth Voices Count in the Arts in Melrose!
Mayor Brodeur appoints new youth seats to Cultural Council

Mayor Paul Brodeur has appointed two new youth seats to the Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) for the first time in the Council’s history. Following outreach to the high school community, the MCC reviewed applications, selected two qualified students, and voted unanimously to add the two new youth seats to its Board membership. Mayor Brodeur interviewed the students and officially appointed Nirvana Ragland and Ruby Robicheau to the Cultural Council with full voting rights.

“Ensuring that we are empowering our young people with platforms to express their views and share in the decisions we make as a City is critical. Both of these young people are credits to their families, and as Mayor I am so proud to know that they will be playing a role in shaping the artistic and cultural landscape of the City. We can expect great things from these two, and I am grateful to Chair Arleen Frasca and the members of the Melrose Cultural Council for helping to make this opportunity possible,” Mayor Brodeur said.

Nirvana Ragland is a Senior at MHS. Her passions are poetry and writing, and she also enjoys doing work in digital photography. She works part time at the Melrose Public Library. Nirvana tells the Council that, as a person of color, she wants to offer a fresh perspective to the MCC and to encourage diversity in the types of projects the Council votes to fund.

Ruby Robicheau served for two years as Secretary of the MHS class of 2022, leading its fundraising and PR efforts. She represents the school as a delegate at the Northeastern Student Council and as an ambassador for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership in addition to her continuing work in MHS student government. Ruby plays piano and guitar, writes and records her own music, and regularly attends music events with her family. "I am honored to be selected to serve on the Council, and offer a youthful perspective on its valuable work for our community," says Ruby.

“The Council feels strongly that it is important for our student representatives to be able to actively participate in our discussions of proposals, and have decision making power to cast votes regarding Council-funded projects in their community,” said MCC Chair Arleen Frasca.  “Also, students will gain practical first-hand experience reviewing grant applications, and learn what it takes to imagine, budget, finance and realize a creative idea.”

The Council hopes that engaging the youth community will help raise awareness of Council work in Melrose, as well as the importance of advocating for our ongoing arts funding from the MA Cultural Council.

“Arts administrators, organizations and volunteer artists here in Melrose work hard to seek out sources of private and public funding through grants, expand upon it and contribute in their own ways to enhance the creative quality of life in Melrose,” said Frasca.  “Their collective efforts bring vitality and social and economic benefit to our community.”

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News

December 2020

Mass Cultural Council Names Michael J. Bobbitt Next Executive Director

Michael J. Bobbitt has dedicated his professional career to arts leadership. He is a director, choreographer, and playwright. Read the MA Cultural Council’s full announcement here.