About the Council

Members:

Members

  • Cynthia August, Chair (2026)

  • David Shopper (2026)

  • Evan Dalton Smith (2025)

  • Alan Theibeault (2025)

  • Michael McGrath, Treasurer (2025)

  • Daniel Kelly (2026)

Mission

Ipswich Cultural Council’s primary mission is to distribute Massachusetts Cultural Council state funding to eligible grant applicants. ICC supports inclusive arts, diverse cultures, and humanities for all in our community. ICC takes pride in organizing a non-juried community art show* every fall.

Application Information

FY25 Allocation

$TBA

FY25 Local Priorities

Priorities:

1. Events that support as many Ipswich residents as possible

2. Support of community projects by residents in the arts, sciences, history and the humanities

3. Community wide gatherings: festivals, concerts, plays, performances

4. Low or no cost to attendees

FY25 Local Guidelines

Council Guidelines
1. The ICC does not directly fund programs or projects that originate from outside of Ipswich. The applicant must be an Ipswich resident or first make contact with a representative from an Ipswich school group or other community organization to gain their sponsorship. This representative must then be listed as the CONTACT PERSON on the grant application. ICC does not act as a booking agent for visiting artists.

2. Programs and projects must be past the ideation stage, i.e. posesses a confirmed location, firm commitment from community partners, solid dates for the event, additional funding, project lead.


2. ICC funds are not intended to be used as the sole source for funding projects. ICC encourages applicants to solicit additional funds and usually limits applicants to 3 consecutive years of funding.

* The Ipswich Art Show & Sale is in its 38th year and is a three-day event with visual art, poetry, music and dance.

How Grant Recipients Are Paid

Reimbursement Grants

Deadline:

All applicants must submit completed applications by the statewide deadline. This year the deadline is TBA. Late applications cannot be accepted.

To Apply:

Review the COMPLETE GUIDELINES

Create a Smart Simple account and APPLY ONLINE

Mass Cultural Council can no longer accept mail-in grant applications. If you need assistance with creating an online application, please contact us at ipswichculturalcouncil@gmail.com

FY24 Funding List

  • Wilking, Joan Out of the Blue: A Celebration of the History, Art, & Science of Cyanotype $700

  • Brendel, Kristina The Importance of Being Ernestine $700

  • Cantemus, Inc. Annelies, a large-scale choral-instrumental work, James Whitbourn, composer $300

  • Chorus North Shore, Inc. A Vibrant Christmas - A celebration in song $1,000

  • Fujiwara, Nalani. Cultural Conversations $900

  • Ipswich Public Library. Plum Island Pans Family Performance $600

  • Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Nature in your neighborhood - All about birds Ipswich $300

  • MUSIC Dance.edu. Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors! $200

  • Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras, Inc. Youth Orchestra Ipswich Concerts & Music Education $600

  • The Orchestra on the Hill, Inc. Images 2024 $500

  • Tincknell, Roger L. Elvis to the Everly Brothers $600

  • Tsoupas, Briana Ipswich Summer Study Program $1,100