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SWAMPSCOTT — At a meeting on Thursday, the Swampscott Cultural Council took time to look back on this year’s grant recipients and look forward to the upcoming year’s applicants.
Through funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Swampscott Cultural Council awards annual grants — in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences — to individuals and organizations. These grants add vibrancy to the town, introduce a cross-section of cultural events, enrich community life and connect citizens of different ages and generations.
In 2022, the council funded 15 projects for a total of $12,775. Recipients included ReachArts, Marblehead Community Charter School, Salem Arts Association, Music Dance and the Town of Swampscott. The largest amount — $1,000 — was awarded to the project “You are Loved,” a mural proposed by the Marblehead Community Charter School.
Several projects reoccur each year and have received positive feedback from the community, according to the Chair of the Swampscott Cultural Council Jason Baletsa.
For 2023, the Swampscott Cultural Council received $8,000. For a variety of reasons — including proposed projects that did not happen — the council finished 2022 with a $5,000 surplus, meaning it has $13,000 to award in the upcoming year.
The council has agreed to fund several projects proposed by the Senior Center. Other “yes” projects include the Swampscott By the Sea Summer Concert (a $2,000 grant) and a poetry project proposed by ReachArts (a $1,100 grant).
Council Member Sammia Atoui favored the ReachArt project, saying, “The poetry and unusual pieces sounded interesting, and they also have a poetry podcast.”
The council will be considering the Swampscott Family Free Day’s request for $1,600 in funding. Baletsa said this project is a great idea, and the council could pay for people who cannot afford to attend the event.
Projects that have been denied will be notified on Jan. 1, and applicants will have two weeks to appeal. The complete list of grants and awardees will be released on Jan 15.
