MELROSE — The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is currently seeking three new council members to fill current vacancies.
Council members should have a demonstrated interest or record of service to the arts, humanities, or sciences. In addition to this background, the MCC is actively seeking new members with experience in the following areas: website building and design, digital marketing and communications, publicity and press relations, community outreach and engagement, graphic design, artist or event management, grant writing, and local government. The term of council membership is three years; members can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The council meets monthly on a regular basis.
The Council welcomes inquiries about board membership from Melrose residents with a variety of arts interests, skills, and backgrounds, as well as identities inclusive of race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual identity, ability, religion, age, education, national origin, citizenship, and ethnicity. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning March 10. The deadline to apply is April 25. If you are interested in finding out more or to submit your resume and letter of interest, please email melrosecultural@gmail.com.
The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, MCC is committed to supporting programs 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, individuals, and organizers and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. The group supports programs across all arts disciplines—visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing—as well as projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences. Their goal is to provide financial support to a variety of projects that collectively appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community—reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors.
Priorities: The 2025 priorities are informed by an annual community outreach survey. Survey results can be found on at https://melroseculture.org/about The Council actively encourages grant proposals that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. The group hopes to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities, are favorably considered. The Council prioritizes projects with broad public appeal and impact that are presented in a variety of accessible settings. It also gives preference to projects that encourage community building, social connections, and dialog. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives, particularly those that involve young people or first-time applicants, are openly encouraged. Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded.