Cultural Council seeking grant applications from local groups

The Westminster Cultural Council set an Oct. 15 deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

Donna DiRusso, the council's chairwoman, said the grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities within town. These activities include exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, as well as workshops and lectures.

The Council is also reviewing funding requests, from schools and youth groups, through the PASS Program, which is a ticket subsidy program for school-aged children.

The PASS Program offers exposure to arts and cultural programs, often the first of its kind for many children, especially those in rural areas, according to the Web site.

The Council is part of a grass-roots network of 329 local cultural councils that serve every city and town in the state. The program is the largest, most decentralized one if it's kind in the US. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which then allocates funds to each local council, according to the Council.

This year the group is also looking to fill two seats on the Council. The group meets twice between the end of October and the beginning of November in the Town Hall to allocate the grant money.

For more information about joining the council or for specific guidelines, and information about the grant applications contact Susan Yraola, the Westminster Cultural Council Secretary, at (978) 874-0489.

Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available on the Web at www.mass-culture. org/lccpublic.asp.