The cultural councils in Auburn and Oxford are accepting proposals from individuals, schools, and organizations for community-based arts, humanities, and science programs for 2027. The deadline to apply for a grant is 11:59 p.m. on October 15.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) is a state agency that allocates funds to all 351 municipalities in the Commonwealth through 329 local and regional councils. The MCC determines the annual funding to each Local Cultural Council (LCC) based on a formula that uses the community population and equalized property values: “The state property valuation helps balance allocations relative to local wealth and resources,” writes the MCC on its website.

This year, the Auburn Cultural Council has a budget of $11,900 and Oxford’s budget is $13,300. Most awards given by an LCC average in the $500 to $750 range, while there are exceptions. Grants from most LLCs are reimbursement-based: the applicant expends their own money and then submits paperwork for reimbursement.

Projects that have been funded include live music, art exhibits, festivals, school field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances, craft workshops, and lectures.

“We strongly encourage artists and creative people to submit a grant,” said Gillian Kies, chair of the Auburn Cultural Council. “We would love to give out money to art, education and cultural events that benefit the Town of Auburn.”

Kies explained that the council is also interested in funding scientific- or technology-focused projects. “2026 was the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard launching his liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn,” said Kies. “If anybody has a Goddard-specific project they would like to bring to our attention, we would love to continue to support this 100th anniversary.”

While funding in both towns has supported performances at the towns’ senior centers and public schools, Danielle Chamberland Roberts, chair of the Oxford Cultural Council, sees a demographic that might be under-served.

“We have had a number of re-applicants and that’s great because it’s programs that people want,” explained Roberts. “But the Mass Cultural Council encourages us to diversify what we do. And one of the things we [the Oxford Cultural Council] have discussed is there is a large age group in between the younger school-aged children we serve and the seniors at the Senior Center that perhaps is not being served, the 20- to 50-year-olds. So, we’re also looking for applications to serve this middle group.” 

A description of the statewide program, FAQs, and what each town funded in 2026 can be found at massculturalcouncil.org.

“We funded 13 projects last year,” said Kies. “We were excited to see the Auburn High School Theater Department application to support the fall show of the Addams Family.

“We absolutely encourage middle and elementary school teachers to apply,” continued Kies. “We set our own priorities, and we give priority to artists who live or work in Auburn, or artists who already have a committed venue in town.” 

“We’d love to see more applications this year,” said Oxford’s Roberts. “We’re trying to find out what makers and artists in the community can offer the greater community.”

To that end, the Oxford Cultural Council will have a table at the annual Scarecrows on the Common fest on October 24. She said this outreach will help identify what town residents are interested in. In addition, Roberts said the committee’s numbers have decreased due to restrictions set on how long members can serve. They are currently down to five members, and they are seeking new blood to energize the council. She said the committee usually meets once a month October through December and then again in July. However, she would like the committee to meet monthly so that members can attend events that the council has supported. If you have questions about serving on the Oxford Cultural Council, contact Roberts by phone at 508-987-4333 or by email at  [email protected]

 All applications must be submitted online through the MCC portal: massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process

 Proposals are reviewed by the LCC in November, and decisions are announced by the end of the year.

“We would love to fund as many programs as possible,” said Roberts. “When in doubt, please apply.”

“We strongly encourage artists and creative people to submit a grant,” said Kies. “We would love to give out money to art, education and cultural events in the Town of Auburn. Please submit an application.”