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The Marblehead Cultural Council has announced its grant recipients for the 2026 cycle, awarding funding to nine diverse projects that span the arts, humanities and science education. These grants, intended to foster community engagement and accessibility, will support a variety of events and exhibits throughout the year in venues across town.
"Our council enjoyed reviewing 20 broad and varied applications from members of our local arts and culture community," said Jeanie Stahl, MCC chair. "We are pleased to announce that we have awarded nine inspirational grants to enliven, enrich and deepen Marblehead's creative arts scene throughout 2026."
The 2026 grant slate includes a strong focus on public history and local heritage. The Marblehead Museum and Historical Society received support for "Resistance and Resilience: Slavery and Freedom in Marblehead," a new semi-permanent exhibit located in the Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen & Slave Quarters. Additionally, historian Don Doliber will lead a three-part lecture series organized by Donna Cottereel, highlighting three Revolutionary War captains from Marblehead.
Community education and family programming are also prominent. Highlights include Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary's "Nature in your neighborhood" walks, Salem Sound Coastwatch's "School to Sea" marine science series and Little Ant World's "Voices of Heritage" Asian American and Pacific Islander workshops. Furthermore, the North Shore Children's Museum will host "Marblehead Free Days" for residents, while the Marblehead Festival of Arts received funding to support its live music programming. Public art efforts include a communal mural project at Farrell Court Apartments, facilitated by AgeSpan.
The MCC, one of 351 local councils funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, emphasizes programming that is accessible to all residents. Alongside these new grants, the council previously scheduled arts journalist Nick Zaino for "The 80s Comedy Boom" on Feb. 25 at the Abbot Public Library. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Cultural Council's local council listings or contact the MCC at MarbleheadCulturalCouncil@gmail.com.
