Cultural Council

The Hingham Cultural Council is a group of interested residents who are appointed by the Select Board to dispense public funding allocated to the town by the Mass Cultural Council. The term of Council membership is three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms (for a total of six years of service; members must remain off the council for a one-year interval before serving additional terms).

The Mass Cultural Council is a state agency that funds and manages a network of 329 local cultural councils, representing every city and town in the Commonwealth. This Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences annually. Each year, LCCs award more than $4M in grants to over 6,000 cultural programs statewide, based on each community’s cultural needs as assessed and set by its council members. The program promotes the availability of rich cultural experiences for all Massachusetts residents.

Our Mission Statement

The Cultural Council's primary purpose is to ensure that Hingham's share of funds from the Mass Cultural Council are administered fairly and equitably in the best interests of the Hingham community. It is also the Council's mission to seek out and encourage enterprising and innovative activities in the arts that can benefit and add to the quality of life in Hingham. These activities should expose a wide range of audiences to fresh, stimulating and culturally enriching experiences. The goal of the HCC is to raise awareness and encourage individuals, groups and organizations to apply for support toward presenting programs that will benefit Hingham and its citizens.

Applying for a Cultural Council Grant

Artists, non-profits, community groups and schools with a cultural project may apply for funding by writing a grant proposal during the grant cycle. The application process normally begins in September. All proposals must be submitted on-line for consideration, normally by mid-October of the given year. The council reviews each submission at its Voting Meeting normally in late-Fall; we select the appropriate projects for funding based on our current guidelines.

Whether you want to volunteer to be on Hingham’s Cultural Council or apply for an LCC grant, there is plenty of information on-line at Mass Cultural Council Website. You are welcome to explore!