MELROSE — The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) announces its initial round of 2025 grant recipients, with projects spanning visual arts and performing arts as well as programming that celebrates the cultural diversity of Melrose. Drawing from 40 proposals submitted, the MCC allocated over $31,000 in funding across 24 arts and cultural programs to benefit residents of all ages from Melrose and surrounding communities.
The MCC’s ability to increase the number and level of grants it supports in 2025 is largely due to the transfer of $20,000 from the Melrose Messina Fund for the Arts, a city-funded account administered by mayoral appointees. In September 2024, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis authorized the transfer of these funds to the MCC, citing at the time that the MCC’s track record of equitable, transparent, and consistent grant awards over the years was the rationale for consolidating the Messina Fund assets under the control of the MCC.
“We were very fortunate this year to have the Messina Fund allocation as part of the MCC’s funding pool. Additionally, we saw a modest increase in state funding as well as the proceeds from the MCC’s first fundraising effort this past fall. Our increased funding pool will create more cultural opportunities with broad public appeal for Melrose residents and neighboring communities,” says Council Co-chair Jim Bracciale.
“The caliber of the proposals we received was extraordinary, and as we launch a second wave of funding in the coming weeks to support additional projects, we have the same high expectations. While the funding for this next grant cycle will be slightly smaller, our hope is to award grants in the $250-$1,000 range,” says Council Co-chair Sarah Bolha.
The full list of 2025 grantees follows. MCC grantees meet criteria laid out by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, as well as local criteria established by a 2024 Melrose community survey.
• 2025 World Music Concert Series
• Beethoven Society of Melrose 98th Concert Season
• Community Storytelling Series at Follow Your Art Community Studios
• Create & Play Family Events with North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network
• Filmmakers Collaborative Academy Outdoor Film Screening
• Haydn’s “Missa in angustiis” and “Illuminare” from Polymnia Choral Society
• Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors! – a dance series with MUSIC Dance.edu
• July 4th Concert at Mount Hood Park
• Keeping Jazz Alive at Temple Beth Shalom
• Mangia, Meatballs and Murder from the Delvena Theatre Company
• Massachusetts High & Middle School State Drama Festivals
• May Melrose Pops Finale Featuring Karen Walwyn
• Melrose Jazz Fest 2025
• Melrose Open Studio Tour
• Melrose’s Access to Discounted Tickets with Greater Boston Stage Company
• Musical Reflections from the Nissitissit String Quartet
• Opening Doors presents Black Legacy Project
• Pumpernickel Puppets with the Melrose Early Childhood Center
• Red Hawk Rumble
• Sculpture Seekers: A Melrose Creature Quest
• STEAM Activities at the Farmers’ Market
• The Author’s Corner with Paul Clerici at Melrose Public Library
• Voices Against Violence Community Coffee House
• World Culture Night at the Lincoln School
The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, the MCC is committed to supporting programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose.
Grants are given to Melrose organizations and MA individuals, artists, and presenters in partnership with local organizations.