Bellingham Cultural Council Grants Enrich Life in Town
Acclaimed Framingham ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll at the Senior Center with some of his puppets and friends.
By David Dunbar
‘Tis the season!
No, not that one.
This is the time to apply for a grant from the Bellingham Cultural Council for that public opportunity that you’ve been waiting for.
If you have an idea that supports the arts, humanities, or sciences, then you have until October 17 to apply for a grant. This includes the study, pursuit, performance, exhibition, and appreciation of cultural activities in the broadest sense.
“This is kind of like American Idol,” smiles Darrell Crow, the Chairman of the Bellingham Cultural Council. “We hope to find a couple dozen hidden stars that will make an extraordinary impact in our community.”
The Council’s goal is to provide Bellingham residents with access to performances, exhibits, workshops, lectures, and creative activities that enhance their knowledge and expertise. This is accomplished by providing funding to individuals and organizations. Statewide, more than $3.3 million will be provided by the Mass Cultural Council and distributed by more than 329 local cultural councils.
Bellingham has $10,500 to distribute in grants that range from an average of $500 to $750. The amount local councils get from the state depends on population.
Crow expects to see about 30 requests for funding based on his six years leading the Bellingham Cultural Council. Of those, the ones from out of Massachusetts will be eliminated and then “we’ll look at each one for a balance of arts, sciences, and humanities. We’ll take six weeks to accomplish that and those we select for funding will be announced in February,” explains Crow.
One that got funded in the current year was the ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll who brought his performance to the Bellingham Senior Center in August. “We help people laugh,” says Driscoll. His Charlie McCarthy puppet brings back memories and helps seniors recall the past. “It warms my heart,” he says and recalls one performance where an attendee in Chelmsford who “had not spoken a word for six months” commented on the puppet.
Another well-received recent presentation at the Senior Center was by Silver Moon Gypsies. Five women from 69- to 90-years old came in costume to dance and sing. Anna Connors is the youngest. “We love what we do,” she says, “we bring joy to others... music is a great healer.” They were supported by a grant which was “easy” to get. “And payment was so quick...I was amazed.”
Other past performances have included The “ME” Decade, Combatting Hate & Prejudice, Romance of the Tall Ships, and Politics, Power, and Principles.
Crow expects to fund approximately 24 performances for the coming year. “Our job,” explains Crow, “is to select the best of the submissions, help steer them through the process, and make sure they get paid for their efforts.”
If you’re looking for a grant, Crow’s advice is “stop procrastinating! The process may seem complex, but it’s not. We’re here to help and we want you to win!”
The Bellingham Cultural Council originated 28 years ago and grew out of revenue collected by the state from gambling. Money was set aside by the state to promote the arts as well as the sciences and humanities.
Crow adds, “We are always looking for new board members (currently, there are five) and we can add up to 17 more.” You can apply at the Bellingham Town Hall. Board meetings, which are open to the public, are conducted on the third Tuesday of each month at the Senior Center.
To apply for a grant, visit www.massculturalcouncil.org
