SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Cultural Council (SCC) for arts, humanities, and interpretive science, is now accepting grant applications for year 2015. The Council will accept applications from individuals, organizations and schools until its Oct. 16 deadline.
According to SCC Chairperson Susan Kochanski, the grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Southwick, including exhibits, festivals, short-term residences or performances in schools, the public library, workshops and lectures.
“We typically receive 25-30 applications, but our budget is limited so we award eight to 10,” said Kochanski.
The SCC receives $4,300 from the state, which is the minimum amount allotted.
“It’s based on population,” Kochanski said.
The SCC reviews each application and looks for programs that include all ages, if possible.
“We look for things that pertain to children, and young adults, through seniors,” said Kochanski. “Our other criteria is we look for our applicants to be as local as possible.”
Past grants included funding for the Friends of the Rail Trail mapping and historic poster project, and entertainment for this past summer’s Southwick Days.
Kochanski, a 12-year veteran of the SCC, said the group used to receive more money, but funding has dwindled.
“Southwick’s piece of the pie is small,” she said. “But because we receive the minimum amount and have a small population, the funding per person isn’t bad.”
The grant application form can be downloaded from www.southwickma.org/cultural or a form can be picked up at the Southwick Town Hall in the clerk’s office or the Southwick Public Library.
Kochanski said the SCC is looking for projects that are “innovative – something different and fun.”
The SCC is an all-volunteer local partner of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency, and is funded in part by the MCC and Town of Southwick.
The SCC is devoted to bringing engaging, entertaining, and educational events to the children and adults from Southwick and surrounding communities. For additional information visit www.southwickma.org/cultural. The Council meets the third Thursday of each month at the Southwick Town Hall at 7 p.m.
