Concord Organizations Win Cultural Council Grants

Call it another win for culture in Concord.

On the heels of the Massachusetts Cultural Council's designation of Concord Center as one of its Cultural Districts earlier this month, the MCC awarded $28,800 in grants to local organizations to support cultural activities that benefit local residents.

The announcement, relayed by state Rep. Cory Atkins, D-Concord, was made earlier this month as part of a statewide funding program by the MCC. 

“I’m proud to support these cultural organizations and community groups in their work to enrich our lives and improve our community through arts and culture,” Atkins said in a press release.

Local grant recipients include:

Concord Museum -- $10,600 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program: to educate visitors of all ages about the history of Concord and its continuing influence on American political, literary, and cultural life; and to use the collection to serve as a catalyst for changing exhibitions, extended classroom learning, dynamic programs, and publications relevant to an ever-changing world.
Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts -- $6,700 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program: to encourage the enjoyment and practice of the arts in Concord and the region by offering quality arts education programs for all ages and abilities; providing space for local nonprofits and artists to offer performances, events, and classes; nurturing a community of artists with affordable studio rentals; fostering the Musketaquid Arts and Environment program; and presenting entertaining an inspiring performances under the banner Emerson Umbrella Presents.
Angela Arkell Mitchell Foundation for Literature -- $3,000 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program: to produce and present an annual festival of authors, an event taking place over several days and featuring readings, discussions, and talks by various authors and illustrators.
The Nature Connection -- $3,000 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program: to support the human spirit by offering and building connections between people and the natural world.

Radius Ensemble, Inc. -- $3,000 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program: to forge a connection between musicians and music lovers of all backgrounds through the intimate medium of chamber music, performed by dynamic artists who share their extraordinary interpretations on and off stage, in the concert hall and in the community.
 Summer Stages Dance -- $2,500 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program: for initiatives to develop new audiences for dance, including the “Meet the Artist Performance Series” at the Institute of Contemporary Art.