Westminster Cultural Council
How can you be involved in bringing cultural events to Westminster……….
Residents of Westminster are invited to join the Westminster Cultural Council. As a member of the WCC you will be a part of the decision making process that funds projects in the arts, sciences and humanities. For information about the WCC, contact any WCC member.
What type of cultural activities you would like to see in Westminster?
WCC welcomes your input! Your thoughts and ideas are needed.
What types of events would you like to have in our town?
Are you, or an organization you are involved with, interested in applying for a grant from the WCC? Local Cultural Councils can fund grants from individuals, nonprofit organizations, associations, schools, libraries and religious organizations.
Applications for Cultural Council Grants for FY2011 will be available in the Fall either through the Mass Cultural Council website or at the Westminster Town Hall. Completed applications must be submitted to the Westminster Cultural Council by mid-October.
You can contact the Westminster Cultural Council on-line at or by writing to the Westminster Cultural Council at the Town Hall, 11 South Street, Westminster, MA 01473
WESTMINSTER CULTURAL COUNCIL
The Westminster Cultural Council is one of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) in Massachusetts. Local Cultural Council Program Guidelines describe the LCC program as follows:
“In Massachusetts, public funding for the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences is provided through a central state agency, the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), and through a network of local cultural councils that serve every city and town in the state.
“The MCC receives funding from the Massachusetts Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) are made up of volunteers who are appointed by the community’s chief elected official and who are responsible for making decisions on how they will award the money granted to them by the MCC in ways that will serve local cultural needs.”
For fiscal year 2010, the Westminster Cultural Council received $4,000 in MCC funding in addition to a $3,000 appropriation from the town. Each fall the WCC solicits grant applications that are then reviewed for funding.
Westminster Cultural Council Members
Karen Brighenti
Marta Klemetti
Mary Dunn
Sandi Thibodeau
Betty Kazan
Virginia Krul
In FY2010 the WCC is pleased to be able to fund the following programs
“Songbirds of the Northeast” $500.00
by John Root
Naturalist/educator John Root will present a 90-minute program on songbirds that are common to this region. The presentation will take place in the spring at the Forbush Library.
Bamidele Dancers and Drummers $500.00
Westminster PTO
In April, Westminster Elementary School students will attend an assembly by this group and experience the dances, folklore and songs of West Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean.
Odaiko New England/Taiko ThunderArt $367.50
Overlook Middle School
In March the seventh grade students, in conjunction with their World Geography class, will attend a performance of Japanese drumming and it’s importance in Japanese culture.
“Appalachian Trail Thru Hike” $285.00
Forbush Memorial Library
Roger Tetreault will offer a program in April at the Forbush Library. He recently hiked the Appalachia Trail and will share his experiences on his 2,176-mile trek.
“How to Pastel Paint Expressively” $435.00
by Gregory Maichack
Pastelist Gregory Maichack will present a workshop where participants can create pastel paintings in the style of Van Gogh using pastels and drawing paper he provides.
“Meet Mary Rowlandson” by Katie Green $450.00
Westminster Historical Society
Katie Green will offer a historical theatrical presentation of Mary Rowlandson, a colonial woman captured by the Indians during the King Philip War in the fall at the Westminster Historical Society.
Pay What You Can Program $300.00
Cornerstone Performing Arts Center
This program will enable Westminster residents to attend one of two professionally directed theatrical productions for an amount they can afford.
Cultural Companionship $300.00
Audio Journal, Inc.
Audio Journal, which brings radio broadcasts on unique receivers to the visually impaired at no cost, will add cultural programming to their offerings.
Art Up Close $630.00
Westminster Elementary School
Over the coming year 3 large reproductions of artworks will be displayed for weeklong periods in the School lobby where they can be viewed by students and community members.
Magic Wonder Show by Tommy James $360.00
First Congregational Church
Magician Tommy James will perform at the Yankee Street Fair on August 28, an annual event held that is attended by hundreds of people from Westminster and the surrounding communities.
Symmetrical Geometric Art Designs $700.00
Overlook Middle School
Six grade students will create geometric designs to enhance their math class. Staff from the Worcester Art Museum will conduct this program at Overlook in April 2010.
“Great Day for the Irish” by Ruth Harcovitz $550.00
Westminster Senior Center
Soprano Ruth Harcovitz and her pianist will present this concert of Irish songs, sing-a-long, and commentary at the Westminster Senior Center on March 18, 2010.
American Sampler $850.00
Overlook Middle School
In conjunction with the study of American history, 8th grade students will enjoy a program by musician Jeff Davis and a workshop where they will make simple musical instruments.
Talent Search $500.00
Westminster Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s Market held each Friday will offer a season long talent search, featuring local talent. Girl Scouts working toward their Gold Star Award will organize this program.
Teddy Bears Concert with Rick Goldin $350.00 Ashburnham-Westminster Community Partnership for Children
Rick Goldin, musician, educator and recording artist, will present an interactive music/puppet program for children and others at Westminster Elementary School at 9:30 on April 14th. The public is invited!