About the Council

Members:

Members

  • Cynthia August, Chair (2026)

  • Evan Dalton Smith (2025)

  • Alan Theibeault (2025)

  • Michael McGrath, Treasurer (2025)

  • Daniel Kelly (2026)

Mission

Ipswich Cultural Council’s primary mission is to distribute Massachusetts Cultural Council state funding to eligible grant applicants. ICC supports inclusive arts, diverse cultures, and humanities for all in our community. ICC takes pride in organizing a non-juried community art show* every fall.

Application Information

FY23 Allocation

$7,500

FY23 Local Priorities

Priorities:

1. Arts education in the schools
2. Support of community projects by local artists
4. Applications must be initiated by or have an Ipswich resident as a contact person
3. Community wide gatherings: festivals, concerts, plays, performances

FY23 Local Guidelines

Council Guidelines
1. The ICC does not directly fund programs or projects that originate from outside of Ipswich. The applicant must be an Ipswich resident or first make contact with a representative from an Ipswich school group or other community organization to gain their sponsorship. This representative must then be listed as the CONTACT PERSON on the grant application. ICC does not act as a booking agent for visiting artists.

2. Programs and projects must be past the ideation stage, i.e. posesses a confirmed location, firm commitment from community partners, solid dates for the event, additional funding, project lead.


2. ICC funds are not intended to be used as the sole source for funding projects. ICC encourages applicants to solicit additional funds and usually limits applicants to 3 consecutive years of funding.

* The Ipswich Art Show & Sale is in its 38th year and is a three-day event with visual art, poetry, music and dance.

How Grant Recipients Are Paid

Reimbursement Grants

Deadline:

All applicants must submit completed applications by the statewide deadline. This year the deadline is TBA. Late applications cannot be accepted.

To Apply:

Review the COMPLETE GUIDELINES

Create a Smart Simple account and APPLY ONLINE

Mass Cultural Council can no longer accept mail-in grant applications. If you need assistance with creating an online application, please contact us at ipswichculturalcouncil@gmail.com

FY22 Funding List

Winthrop School Winthrop Ballroom Dance Program $1,000

Tincknell, Roger L. Ireland to America $600

Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras, Inc. Youth Orchestra Ipswich Concerts $600

Fujiwara, Nalani Flight and Fancy: A Child's Fantasy $1,000

Pugh, Rebecca Meetinghouse Coffee House & Gallery $500

Fujiwara, Nalani"Let's BAND Together!" - A Cape Ann Festival of Bands $500

Ipswich Public Library Movement and Movement Mapping $600

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Nature in your neighborhood - All about birds $250

Reif, Christine Double Impact Concert $1,000

Getchell, Emily Switch Rideable Arts Scape $700

Jones, Thomas Musary International Music Workshop $1,000