Proud to continue my partnership with our communities and a number of local groups and organizations, today I announced that the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) has approved a total of $49,440 in state grant funding to local cultural councils.

The funding comes as part of nearly $7 million in grants awarded to communities and cultural organizations through MCC’s statewide funding program approved by members of the legislature.

Each year, I make funding for local cultural programs a priority because I know, and all of us know, the huge impact of these grants in helping to fund soul-enriching, cultural programming in each of our communities. This funding is really the key to promoting the arts and celebrating diversity, understanding our history, and fostering a well-rounded Commonwealth.

This year, the Brockton Cultural Council will receive $40,500; the Easton Cultural Council will receive $5,070; and the West Bridgewater Cultural Council will receive $3,870 to support local programming that helps to provide a variety of community-based projects that explore local arts and history, expand education and accessibility, and celebrate diversity.

Traditionally, these grants have allowed local cultural councils to fund field-trip opportunities for Brockton, Easton and West Bridgewater students. They have allowed our communities to hold annual summer concert series, reading contests and craft fairs. The funding has also subsidized tickets to the Museum of Fine Arts, and it has helped to sponsor local events that embrace the cultural diversity in each of our communities.

“Clearly, arts and culture are important to any community, and being able to offer these programs, like our cultural flag raisings—for our local Greek, Haitian, and Cape Verdean residents—or providing funding for annual events like Summer Sunday in the Park and the Summer Concert Series, help Brockton thrive,” added Mayor Linda M. Balzotti. “With the difficult financial times facing all communities, these state funds are key to allowing us to provide these vital cultural opportunities to our residents.”