WESTFIELD – The Mass Cultural Council has awarded grants to both the Westfield Cultural Council and the Southwick Cultural Council. Sen. Donald Humason announced on Wednesday Sept 7 that the Mass Cultural Council awarded $247,000 to the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District.
Westfield was able to receive $20,200 while Southwick was given $4,700. Being two of the 11 towns and cities in the district that have been given grants, Westfield and Southwick represent a strong passion in culture and arts.
There were $131,000 total funds throughout the 11 towns and cities in the district.
“We have a really big cultural economy,” said Sen. Humason.
Sen. Don Humason announced on Wednesday that the Mass. Cultural Council gave grants away for local arts and culture. (WNG File Photo)
In a press release that was published from Sen. Humason’s Office at the State House, Humason stated, ““I greatly appreciate MCC’s investment in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District.”
In order to help get the grant money to local communities like Westfield and Southwick, the state legislature had to override the Mass Cultural Council after Gov. Baker vetoed the amount of the total grant money when he first filed his budget.
After going back and forth with the conference committee, Humason and the House and Senate were able to restore the money the put in and have the funding despite being vetoed. The funding that was created directly came from where the money will be used.
“It’s local aid that would go back to cities and towns,” said Humason.
The grant money that is now with the cultural councils of Westfield and Southwick will go towards arts and culture events in the community, historical aspects, as well as field trips for the school districts.
The several ways that the arts and culture money can be used, shows just how important it is for these local towns in the district.
“There are towns that are putting a lot of investment in the cultural economy,” said Humason. “I think that’s a good thing.”
