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"I see little of more importance to the future
of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the
place of the artist."
- President John F. Kennedy, 1963, Amherst College
There are few places in America as rich in arts and culture as
Massachusetts, and artists are at the center of this vibrant creative
life. Through color, form, language, sound, and movement, artists
help interpret our past, understand the present, and envision our
future. Their work breaks down barriers and helps us appreciate
what it means to be human.
MCC is committed to helping Massachusetts artists thrive. In a
time when many sources of direct grant support for individual artists
have been reduced or eliminated, the Massachusetts Cultural Council
is proud to be one of the few state arts agencies in the county
to provide unrestricted funding for artists.
MCC's Artist Fellowships provide direct assistance to Massachusetts
artists across a range of disciplines, to recognize exceptional
work and to support the further development of their talents. Artist
Fellowships give individuals the financial ability to hone and deepen
their craft. These highly competitive awards also provide artists
with recognition and affirmation from their peers and the public.
In 2009 we were pleased to be able to increase the amount of those
grants from $7,500 to $10,000.
 MCC publicizes its artist awards through a series of public exhibitions
throughout the state and the Gallery@MCC,
an online showcase of finalists and winners. For information on
applying for an Artist Fellowship, please see the application
instructions.
In addition to fellowships, MCC supports artists through its other
funding programs and services. Grants through MCC's Traditional
Arts Apprenticeships, Local Cultural
Council, Cultural Investment Portfolio, YouthReach,
Creative Schools, and Adams
Arts programs all help provide employment for thousands of artists throughout
the state.
MCC
is involved in several statewide initiatives for artists, including:
ArtistLink, an effort
to help artists, real estate developers, and communities develop
work and living space for artists across Massachusetts; and MatchBook.org,
a web site dedicated to helping New England's performing artists
get increased visibility and employment.
For more information on MCC's work with artists, please contact
a member of our Artists Department.
To dig into the creative, innovative work of Massachusetts artists, visit ArtSake.
Images (top-bottom): Anne Rearick, LANGA, SOUTH AFRICA (2005), Gelatin Silver Print, 18" x 18"; Cynthia Consentino, BUNNY I (2006), stoneware clay, glaze, 19 3/4" x 11 1/2" x 12 1/2"
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© Massachusetts Cultural Council 2009
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