By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Northborough – Community leaders, artists, musicians and devotees of the arts gathered at the Northborough Free Library for a reception at which the Northborough Cultural Council awarded 24 grants funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Grants ranged in the amount of $125 to $400.
“We consider ourselves the community center for Northborough,” noted host and Library Director Christopher Lindquist. “We have been recipients of grants from the cultural council for the past four or five years and we are getting another cultural grant this year supporting our music program in May.”
He said that he loves what the cultural council is doing – raising awareness about the need to support artists and culture in the community.
“This year, we granted $5,575 to 24 grant recipients,” announced NCC Chair Selvi Oyola. “We feel privileged to be able to provide grants to support culturally diverse programs that enrich our lives. We believe having our fellow citizens participate in these events featuring music, arts, interpretive sciences and humanities strengthen our bonds, provide joyful shared experiences and help support our local economy.”
Part of the grant funding goes toward organizing the third annual Northborough Culture Fest, Oyola noted, and “we have already begun planning for it.”
In attendance was State Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough).
“Cultural activities are so important for our communities and Northborough really is a hub. There is always something going on,” she said.
She added that cultural funding is a priority at the State House and that there are numerous officials in the House of Representatives that are looking out for cultural activity and funding.
At the event, musical performances were provided by grant recipients Northborough Area Community Chorus and jazz saxophonist Ed Harlow who played an original composition.
For more information, visit www.mass-culture.org/Northborough or email cultural@town.northborough.ma.us.