Medway Group Benefits from New Mass Cultural Council Awards

Monday, the Mass Cultural Council  announced the recipients of the first ever round of funding made available through the new Creative Experiences grant program.

These awards of $2,500 or $5,000 support public activities that incorporate the arts, humanities, and/or interpretive sciences. In total, Mass Cultural Council approved funding to 708 organizations, including Medway Marches, totaling $3,375,000.

Medway Marches, which received a $5,000 award, was created by community members  in 2020, as racial tensions "rose to an all time high in the United States," according to the organization. Several residents collectively came together to answer the question, “What can we do?”, and decided to plan a `peaceful even't in Medway, MA. After receiving  a positive response and continued support, Medway Marches, the organization, was created to create deep-rooted, continual change. The organization delivers a wide range of DEI programs and activities.

“I’m thrilled to see the success that our new Creative Experiences grant program is having in its first year,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Mass Cultural Council is proud to support these activities that reflect the rich diversity of our communities, bring people together, and create spaces where creativity can thrive. These experiences will strengthen connections between neighbors, celebrate traditions, and ensure that everyone – from all over – has the opportunity to share in the joy and belonging that Massachusetts provides.”

As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.

Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) marks the first round of funding being awarded through the Creative Experiences grant program. This new funding opportunity is a new, streamlined opportunity that provides support for creative and cultural projects, activities, and events.

This was a competitive grant round, with 47% of eligible applicants receiving grant funds. Of these 708 recipients:

• 91% will hire a Massachusetts artist, humanist, and/or interpretative scientist
• 86% are voluntary partners in the Agency’s Card to Culture Program, or the experience is entirely free
• 66% have not received Mass Cultural Council funding in the past three years

The complete FY26 Creative Experiences funding list is available online.