Culture unites us.  It is essential to the health and vitality of individuals and communities.

The Newton Cultural Council, a local cultural council (LCC), is supported by Mass Cultural Council, the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation. The Local Cultural Council Program enriches the cultural life of all cities and towns in Massachusetts. Led by municipally appointed volunteers, LCCs in Massachusetts collectively award over $3 million every year, supporting more than 5,000 cultural programs that include everything from field trips to lectures, festivals, and dance performances.

The goal of the Newton Cultural Council is to contribute to the cultural vitality of Newton by funding creative, cultural, and humanistic projects involving primarily Newton cultural organizations and Newton artists and humanists.

NCC 2027 Grant Cycle Opens September 1

Are you an artist, musician, poet, performer, writer, filmmaker, creative or arts organization looking for funding for your next great idea?

Consider applying to the Newton Cultural Council for a grant. Find more information about the granting process and a link to the online application on the Mass Cultural Council website here.

Application Opens: September 1, 2026

Info Session: September 10, 2026

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

Grant Decisions: January 15, 2027

NCC funding prioritizes quality programs, events, visual art projects, performances, and innovative collaborations across disciplines that build community and engage the full spectrum of Newton residents. We encourage established and emerging artists to apply. We depend on the community to help shape our funding priorities.

Questions?   Contact the Council at ncc@newtonma.gov.

NCC 2026 Grantee Reception September 17

All are welcome at the reception, but please RSVP here.

Meet the NCC 2026 Grant Award Recipients

Please take the NCC's 2026 Community Survey.

Want to serve on the Newton Cultural Council?

If you are interested in learning more about the NCC and its work, please contact ncc@newtonma.gov or email the Department of Arts and Culture at culture@newtonma.gov. We welcome all Newton residents who have experience in the arts to consider joining the Council for a 3-year term! Click here for more details about Newton Boards and Commissions.

Apply for membership.We accept applications on a rolling year round basis.  Reach out to us to see how you can get involved with this important mission for our city!

Members of the Newton Cultural Council:

• Megan Cronin
• Jeffrey Davis (Co-Chair)
• Glenda Fishman (Treasurer)
• Julie Fox
• Susan Friedman
• Kasha Gauthier
• Anandini Sekhar
• Linda Sevey
• Jennifer Sgroe
• Anne Marie Stein (Co-Chair)
• Consuelo Valdes (Clerk)
• Cheryl Weber

Newton details on the MCC webpage.