Mayor Michelle Wu has unveiled the recipients of the 2025 Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grants, allocating a substantial total of $915,000 to support 100 small and mid-sized arts and cultural organizations throughout Boston.
This initiative, funded by the City of Boston and the Mass Cultural Council, is aimed at promoting vibrant community-centered programming that enriches the diverse cultural fabric of the city.
The grants are designed to uplift organizations that significantly enhance the quality of life in Boston’s neighborhoods, while also focusing on cultural equity and inclusion through arts and humanities projects.
A rigorous, community-driven process facilitated by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture was employed to select the funded organizations, with decisions being made by the Boston Cultural Council Board, City employees, and community stakeholders.
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her belief in the vital role these organizations play in the city’s arts landscape, stating, “These organizations are the creative heartbeat of our neighborhoods—they connect communities, preserve cultural traditions, and make art accessible to everyone.”
She highlighted the importance of sustaining smaller arts organizations, asserting that they are essential members of Boston’s cultural ecosystem, deserving of robust support to continue their meaningful work.
In addition, four of the grantees—ARTS | LAB, CHUANG Stage, Circus Up, and Think Outside the Vox—have been recognized as Model Equity Organizations.
These organizations received an additional $16,000 grant, funded by a donor-advised fund from the Mill River Foundation Fund, in recognition of their ongoing commitment to promoting equity within the arts and culture sector in Boston.
Kenny Mascary, Interim Chief of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, shared the significance of the grant: “We’re honored to be able to support so many of our city’s incredible organizations through this grant. Given the recent devastating and destructive federal funding cuts to arts organizations and DEI initiatives, this targeted funding for our smaller organizations is more important than ever.”
He emphasized the city’s commitment to finding innovative ways to support and elevate Boston’s creative sector.
The Boston Cultural Council Grant is specifically designed to provide transparent, predictable, and equitable support to local arts and cultural organizations, with a particular emphasis on smaller groups.
This year, more than 75% of grantees operate with annual budgets under $500,000, ensuring that the funding reaches those who need it most.
The grant utilizes a tiered, discretionary funding model that aligns the amount of funding with the size of the organization.
All granted funds are designated for general operating support, allowing organizations to allocate resources according to their specific needs.
This flexible funding approach aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure, fuel innovation, and increase the overall impact of smaller organizations.
Leah Abel, Founder and Executive Director of Circus Up, commented on the grant’s significance, stating, “Circus Up is hugely honored to receive the BCC grant from the City of Boston alongside other fantastic organizations working to create opportunities for community members that enrich our city.”
She elaborated on the importance of financial support in a challenging environment, saying that it enables them to continue their mission of helping youth flourish through social circus techniques.
Letia Larok, Executive Director of Transformative Culture Project, also lauded the grant, saying, “Receiving general operating support from the Boston Cultural Council grant gives Transformative Culture Project the flexibility to deepen our impact, remain rooted in our mission, and respond to community needs.”
She stressed that this financial assistance reaffirms the importance of art and culture in communities, highlighting how the creativity and strength within these neighborhoods are invaluable.
The Boston Cultural Council Board operates as part of the Mass Cultural Council’s Local Cultural Council Program, which is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the United States.
The Board, consisting of eight members of the Boston community, is convened by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and is instrumental in reviewing grant applications, approving awards, and advising on strategic planning for the council’s cultural programs.
As Boston continues to invest in its arts and culture sector, the significance of these grants cannot be understated—they not only provide essential funding but also demonstrate a commitment to nurturing the city’s diverse and vibrant cultural life.
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