About the Council
Members:
Members
Cynthia August, Chair (2026)
David Shopper (2026)
Evan Dalton Smith (2025)
Alan Theibeault (2025)
Michael McGrath, Treasurer (2025)
Darcy Scanlon- Moulton (2027)
Logan Taylor (2027)
Kasey Calebaugh (2027)
Alison Keiley (2027)
Ginger Eaton (2027)
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
FY26 Allocation
$TBA
FY26 Local Priorities
Priorities:
1. Events that support as many Ipswich residents as possible
2. Support of community projects by residents in the arts, sciences, history and the humanities
3. Community wide gatherings: festivals, concerts, plays, performances
4. Low or no cost to attendees
FY26 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 40th 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
FY25 Funding List
Ipswich Art Association, Inc.
Drawing Together
$800
Woodall-Jappe, Mary
Serving the Ipswich Community by Providing Access to Diverse Music
$500
Calebaugh, Kasey
Dr. Viola Voilà Open Stage
$815
Fujiwara, Nalani
Music in Motion
$600
Bottomley, Torii
Happy Birthday, Arthur Wesley Dow!
$500
Ipswich Poetry Group
Ipswich Poetry Group Public Workshops and Open Mic
$400
Tincknell, Roger L.
Old Time Sing-along
$550
Brendel, Kristina
The Harrington (Night) Circus
$550
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Nature in your neighborhood - All about birds
$275
Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras, Inc.
Youth Orchestra Ipswich Concerts & Music Education
$600
Ipswich Public Library
Nature, Mushrooms, and Art
$600
MUSIC Dance.edu
Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors!
$260
Chorus North Shore, Inc.
Britain Invasion – Britain from Antiquity to the Beatles
$500
The Orchestra on the Hill, Inc.
The Voices of Our Town
$250
The Delvena Theatre Company
Bon Voyage, Forever!
$500