Worcester Announces Recipients of ARPA Cultural Grants to Boost Local Arts and Culture

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WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester proudly announced the recipients of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Cultural Organization Grants on Tuesday, emphasizing the city's commitment to revitalizing its vibrant arts and culture sector adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are part of a strategic effort under the Cultural Organization Grant Program, which was designed to support the recovery and continuation of cultural activities in Worcester.

City Manager Eric D. Batista highlighted the critical role of arts and culture in community well-being, stating, “Access to creative expression and cultural offerings is not just a luxury but a vital component of community health and happiness. These grants represent a significant step toward healing and reviving our city’s rich cultural tapestry that contributes over $125 million annually to our local economy.”

The grants were awarded following a thorough review process conducted by the ARPA Creative Economy Committee and city staff. This process prioritized organizations that demonstrated significant losses due to the pandemic. A total of $2,950,000 has been allocated for this initiative, aiming to bolster a wide range of cultural entities from museums and theaters to music schools and community arts programs.

Among the notable recipients are:

• EcoTarium and Hanover Theatre, each receiving $125,000 to support continued educational and cultural programming.
• Worcester Art Museum and Mechanics Hall, each also granted $125,000 to assist in recovery efforts and public engagement activities.
• Smaller but equally vital entities like Worcester Youth Orchestra and Crocodile River Music, receiving $95,000 and $80,000 respectively, to help sustain their contributions to Worcester's cultural diversity.

Fabian Barracks, Worcester’s Cultural Development Officer, reflected on the significance of these grants: “These funds are more than financial relief; they are a testament to our city's resilience and a commitment to ensuring that Worcester remains a beacon of cultural richness and artistic innovation in Massachusetts.”

The city also took this opportunity to thank all the applicants and the community for their ongoing dedication to sustaining the arts and cultural heritage, which has proven essential during challenging times.

The full list of grantees includes a diverse array of over thirty organizations, reflecting the broad spectrum of cultural work being done in Worcester—from classical music to community theatrics and heritage preservation. These grants are expected not only to address immediate financial needs but also to foster long-term cultural engagement and growth across Worcester.

For more details on the grant recipients and upcoming cultural events funded by these grants, residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the City of Worcester’s official website or contact the Department of Health and Human Services.