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Innovative Programs Funded by Local Cultural Councils

Artist Rafael Ayala at the Chelsea Art WalkThe MCC's Gold Star Awards, established in 2001, recognize exemplary cultural programs funded by local cultural councils (LCCs) throughout the state. These projects celebrate diversity, foster collaboration, showcase artistic excellence, and provide learning experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Gold Star awards are nominated by Local Cultural Councils and are evaluated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council based on a variety of criteria including: artistic quality, success in reaching out to underserved constituents, extent to which the project highlights a unique quality of the community, and ability to engage with the community. Collectively, Gold Star Projects demonstrate the ways that culture contributes to the quality of life in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.

These awards offer every LCC, large or small, the opportunity to gain extra recognition for their vital contributions to their communities. This year the MCC will recognize the award-winning projects at the LCC 2010 Statewide Assembly at the State House as a way to celebrate the dedication of the local cultural councils and the impact these projects have had on their communities.

2010 Gold Star Projects

Re-Visioning Acton: A Creative Model Building Activity
Nominated by the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council
Architect and MCC creative teaching partner Ann Sussman led Re-Visioning Acton as a community planning and design project that invited residents to explore alternative possibilities for an underutilized local intersection. Through public workshops, exhibitions, and internet accessibility, participants used large scale aerial maps, planning diagrams, craft materials, and the online 3-D virtual reality site Second Life to create their own vision of an improved and walkable community.

Chelsea Art Walk
Nominated by the Chelsea Cultural Council
The first annual Chelsea Art Walk was a citywide exhibition intended to create a broad community art experience reflecting the diversity of the numerous distinct ethnic groups in Chelsea. The walk used a multi-disciplinary approach with themed exhibits in galleries and alternative spaces throughout town, including City Hall. The project highlighted the work of regional artists and performers, and reintroduced Chelsea as a vibrant, artistic neighborhood to visitors and residents alike.

Easthampton Bear Fest
Nominated by the Easthampton Cultural Council
Easthampton City Arts headed a major public art event celebrating the history and identity of the town, revolving around an exhibit of life-sized bear sculptures decorated and painted by local and regional artists. With the support and involvement of countless volunteers and local businesses, the Bear Fest kicked off with a citywide weekend festival in June and ended with a week-long celebration and auction in October.

On This River
Nominated by the Hull Cultural Council
Hull Performing Arts presented an original musical theater production about the Weir River Estuary, written by Cinzi Lavin and directed by Lindsay Clinton. The performance honors Hull’s history and promotes environmental conservation. The success of the show led to additional town performances and sing-alongs, a studio-recorded CD, and the honor of one song becoming the official town song of Hull.

How to Get a Head...Through Clay Modeling
Nominated by the Taunton Cultural Council
Artist Pam Foley led a high quality artist-in-residence program at an assisted living center, where seniors were able to participate in a hands-on sculpting workshop. The three-part project involved Foley’s demonstration of clay sculpting in action, the creation of plaster molds of the participant’s faces, and clay sculpture busts of fellow residents. The residents’ family members also became involved, and the finalized works were displayed in the facility’s conference room, which is frequently used by outside community groups.

Art in the Park
Nominated by the Worcester Cultural Commission
The second annual Art in the Park was a two month exhibit of large-scale, high-quality, contemporary public art in historic Elm Park. The project featured artists from around Massachusetts and engaged a diverse cross-section of the community. The local council-originated project was used as an opportunity to develop numerous partnerships with local cultural institutions, community groups, stores and restaurants, and artists and performers. These groups planned related events surrounding the exhibition that enhanced the project’s impact.

 
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© Massachusetts Cultural Council 2010