We are a group of interested residents whose purpose is to support community-based projects and activities in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences to benefit the residents of Needham. We are appointed by the selectboard to dispense public funding allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. We are responsible for informing the public about the availability of public funding for cultural projects and for reviewing and approving applications. The budget of the MCC is determined annually by the state Legislature. For further information about funding, see Grant Information and Guidelines.
We also support the Needham Cultural Community through the facilitation of communication among the many cultural organizations and their collaboration through NeedArts and other venues.
We host two town wide cultural events: The Spring Arts Festival and New Year's Needham, which showcase local talent and provide opportunities for new cultural experiences in our community, and participate in several other community activities each year.
The members of the Needham Cultural Council are: Sheri Edsall, Chairman, Claire Messing, Treasurer, Claire Dee Ecsedy, Secretary, Abby Cheng, Hallie Sammartino, Suzanne Saevitz, Kathleen Leahy, Anne Munstedt and David Ecsedy. The council is open to any resident interested in serving the community. Those interested should contact the Selectmen’s Office at the Needham Town Hall, 1491 Highland Avenue.
If you are interested in serving on the Needham Cultural Council, please contact the Selectmen’s Office at the Needham Town Hall 1471 Highland Avenue - Needham, MA 02492