The Cultural Council’s purpose is to support community-based projects and activities in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to benefit the community.
Ludlow Cultural Council
Supporting Arts, Culture, Education & Community Programming in Ludlow
About the Ludlow Cultural Council
The Ludlow Cultural Council (LCC) supports the cultural vitality of Ludlow by awarding grant funds to artists, educators, musicians, performers, community organizations, and other applicants for programs and activities that benefit the Ludlow community.
The Council supports a broad range of cultural opportunities for residents of all ages, including children’s activities, educational programs, music and performances, summer concerts, school programs, and programming for senior citizens.
The Ludlow Cultural Council is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s statewide local cultural council program, which provides funding to communities throughout Massachusetts to support local cultural activities.
What Does the Cultural Council Do?
The Ludlow Cultural Council reviews applications and awards grants for programs that provide cultural opportunities and benefit the Ludlow community.
Supported activities may include:
- Music and concerts
- Performing arts
- Visual arts
- Educational programs
- Children’s programming
- Senior programming
- Cultural and historical programs
- Community events
- School-based activities
- Workshops and hands-on activities
- Other arts, humanities, and interpretive science programs
The Council seeks to make cultural programming available to residents across the community and for a variety of ages and interests.
Grant Funding
Each year, the Ludlow Cultural Council receives an allocation through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and uses those funds to support qualifying local programs.
For FY27, Ludlow’s Cultural Council allocation is $20,700.
Funding is awarded through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s local grant process.
FY27 Local Priorities
The Ludlow Cultural Council’s current priorities include:
- Supporting activities throughout the entire calendar year, including fall, winter, spring, and summer
- Funding activities that are inclusive of different areas of the community
- Supporting programs for families, seniors, adults, and children
- Providing funding for a summer concert series
- Giving Ludlow residents priority for registration when events have limited seating
- Encouraging applicants submitting multiple applications to prioritize their submissions
What Types of Programs Can Be Funded?
The Cultural Council supports programs that benefit the Ludlow community.
Examples of recent Ludlow-funded projects have included:
- Summer concert programming
- Live music
- School arts and educational projects
- Adaptive music programming
- Senior Center entertainment
- Art programs
- Historical presentations
- Cultural performances
- Hands-on educational activities
- Community concerts and performances
Recent funding has supported programming at locations and organizations throughout Ludlow, including Ludlow Public Schools, the Ludlow Senior Center, and community organizations.
Applying for a Cultural Council Grant
Artists, educators, performers, organizations, and other eligible applicants interested in bringing a cultural program to Ludlow can apply through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s local cultural council grant process.
Important Local Requirements
For the current FY27 guidelines:
- Funded activities should occur during the calendar year for which they are awarded.
- The proposed project or program must benefit Ludlow.
- If the program takes place in person, it must take place in Ludlow.
- Projects partnering with Ludlow organizations must include a letter of support from the organization.
- This includes proposed programs at Ludlow schools, the library, senior center, and Boys & Girls Club.
- Applicants proposing programs within the Ludlow Public Schools must receive and document approval from the school principal.
Apply for Funding
Applications and current application requirements are administered through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Recent Community Impact
The Cultural Council’s funding supports a wide variety of programs throughout the community.
Recent FY26 awards included funding for projects such as:
- Ludlow Summer Concert Series
- Irish Music in the Park
- East Street Elementary School Library Mural
- Adaptive Music Program at Ludlow High School
- Sarah the Fiddler at the Senior Center
- Oktoberfest entertainment
- Premier Brass Quintet
- Clay Gnomes
- Cemeteries of Ludlow
- Women of ’76
- Cabaret Jazz
- Mechanical Linkages educational programming
These projects demonstrate the variety of programs that Cultural Council funding can bring to Ludlow.
Summer Concert Series
One of the Ludlow Cultural Council’s ongoing priorities is supporting summer concert programming for the community.
The Council’s current local priorities specifically identify a portion of its funding for a summer concert series.
These programs provide opportunities for residents and families to enjoy music and cultural programming within the community.
Cultural Council Members
The Town’s current website lists the following members:
| Position | Member |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Pamela Hayes |
| Treasurer | Janet Settembro |
| Secretary | Deborah Potter |
| Member | Grace Barone |
| Member | Lawrence Goodreau |
| Member | Lorraine Goodreau |
| Member | Peg Hinkley |
| Member | Carmin Moutinho |
| Member | Glenn Potter |
| Member | Bob Radowski |
| Member | Bob Roccanti |
| Member | Lindsay Topham |
Membership is updated as appointments and vacancies change.
Meetings
The Cultural Council’s meeting schedule can vary throughout the year.
Town records show Cultural Council meetings occurring at 6:30 PM, with meetings held at Ludlow Town Hall. Recent meeting locations have included the 1st Floor Hearing Room and 3rd Floor Conference Room. Residents should check the Town’s calendar and meeting notice for the specific date, time, and room.
Location
Ludlow Town Hall
488 Chapin Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Meeting dates and locations are posted on the Town’s official calendar.
Agendas & Minutes
Residents can review Cultural Council meeting agendas and minutes through the Town’s document center.
The Town currently maintains a dedicated Cultural Council Minutes and Agendas section, with 2026 meeting documents available for meetings throughout the year.
Vacancies & Service Opportunities
The Town periodically has vacancies on the Ludlow Cultural Council.
Ludlow residents interested in serving on the Cultural Council may apply when vacancies are available.
Current Town vacancy postings include the Cultural Council among the boards and committees seeking applicants.
Serving on the Cultural Council is an opportunity to help expand cultural, educational, artistic, and community programming available to Ludlow residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ludlow Cultural Council?
The Ludlow Cultural Council is a local cultural council that supports arts, humanities, educational, and cultural programming that benefits the Ludlow community.
Where does the Cultural Council’s funding come from?
The Council receives an annual allocation through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and awards funding to qualifying local programs.
Who can apply for funding?
Artists, educators, performers, organizations, and other eligible applicants may apply for funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s local cultural council grant process.
Does a program have to take place in Ludlow?
Under the current FY27 local guidelines, an in-person project or program must take place in Ludlow and must benefit the Ludlow community.
Can schools and senior programs receive funding?
Yes. Recent Ludlow awards have supported programs at the Ludlow Public Schools and Ludlow Senior Center.
How can I find out about upcoming Cultural Council meetings?
Upcoming meetings are posted on the Town’s official events calendar, along with the meeting date, time, location, and agenda when available.
How can I serve on the Cultural Council?
Ludlow residents may apply when a Cultural Council vacancy is available. Current vacancies are posted on the Town’s Board and Committee Vacancies page.