Waltham Cultural Council awards more than $50,000 in grants to support local arts 

The Waltham Cultural Council has awarded 51 grants totaling $51,445 to support arts, sciences and cultural programs throughout the city. There was considerable interest this year, with the WCC receiving 62 applications for funds.

The council rewarded programs that are inclusive, accessible and celebrate the spirit of the Waltham community. The WCC grants will fund a diverse range of initiatives to engage residents of all backgrounds and ages.

Many of the grants issued this year support popular annual events such as Waltham RiverBeat, Watch City Steampunk Festival, Concerts on the Common and Farm Day.

Others are for fun  projects such as Puppet Pen Pals for the Whittemore Elementary School and Hip-Hop Chair Dance for Seniors.

Funding was also awarded to support diverse arts and culture including African Culture Services for its music performance series and story magazine. Ethnic Arts Center of Somerville also received a grant for its We Are Family! legacy project for Waltham.

The WCC is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils supported and funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. It also receives funding from the City of Waltham, which allows for even greater local impact.

A complete list of this year’s grant recipients and more information on the WCC’s funding priorities can be found on theMassachusetts Cultural Council website.

Disclosure: The Waltham Times received a 2025 WCC grant to fund its arts coverage.

.