Grants
2025 Creative County Initiative Grants
ECCF’s Creative County offers multiple grant programs in support of Essex County artists, cultural organizations and the creative economy.
Partnership Grant (closed)
ALAANA Artist Grant (Cycle 2 discontinued - note below)
Special Project Grant (Cycle 2 discontinued - note below)
Last Mile Fund (open on a rolling basis)
You are welcome to watch the recording below to review additional insights on our grant programs from a recent Info Session
Update on ALAANA Artist & Special Project Grants
We’ve been truly inspired by the amazing and overwhelming response to Cycle 1 of both the ALAANA Artist Grant and the Special Project Grant. The creativity, passion, and vision shared by artists and organizations across Essex County has been nothing short of incredible.
Because of the strength and volume of submissions, and our deep commitment to supporting arts and culture in Essex County, we will not be able to fund a Cycle 2 without negatively impacting the valuable work that has been proposed. We remain committed to investing in initiatives that uplift our creative community and look forward to future opportunities for engagement and support.
We’re so grateful for everyone who applied, shared, and supported these grant programs. Your voices are shaping the future of arts and culture in Essex County, and we can’t wait to continue building together.
ECCF’s Creative County Initiative (CCI) is pleased to open its collaborative grant-making program that fosters public art, placemaking, and other creative projects to engage and build community across Essex County while strengthening the region’s creative ecosystem. We understand the power of partnerships in the creative sector and believe funding for community-focused public art, creative placemaking, and other special projects can engage and transform a neighborhood, a community, or a region.
In its 2025-26 grant cycle, CCI will provide funding up to $25,000 for projects to be completed by December 31, 2026. There is no match requirement, but grantees are strongly encouraged to seek additional funding as needed. Funding is limited, therefore we anticipate this grant program being highly competitive.
There will be a two-stage review process beginning with a Letter of Interest from which a selection of applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application.
Past Grantees
- Writing a Musical History, Rockport Music: Youth voices in writing songs about where they live with showcases at Shalin Liu and other sites.
- On The Road, North Shore Children's Museum: Mobile Museum Exhibit with artwork on van, eliminating barriers to experiencing their exhibits and costs of field trips for communities ~1hr from Peabody
- Andover Illuminates, Andover Center for History & Culture: illumination of significant locations in Andover with a culminating event in Spring or Fall 2024 including light, art, performance and celebration.
- CompARTimos, An Immigrant Story Trail, ILearnAmerica: public artmaking and creative placemaking with immigrant youth on Spicket River Greenway. Bilingual storytelling in 2023 transformed into large-scale public art by the Spring 2024.
- Native Waters; Native Lands: A Muhsh8n and Wetu in Gloucester: SmokeSygnals, the City of Gloucester, Cape Ann Museum, Discover Gloucester, and Gloucester 400+ Committee - Native Storytelling in two heavily trafficked venues to raise awareness and hospitality of Gloucester for Native residents and artists.
- Newburyport Murals: We Share One Sky: to connect and engage residents and visitors with Newburyport and the theme “We Share One Sky”, through large-scale, exterior mural paintings strategically placed across the City. Spring 2023 and be completed by December 2025.
- Lynn Music Foundation: to develop The Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre to be a multipurpose space that serves the community to Increase in community engagement and participation in the arts and culture scene in Essex County. Improved access to the arts for low-income families and individuals and marginalized communities.
Past Grantees
- Sunil Gulab: Lynn Seniors African Art workshops + creation of a large 48"x60" piece to hang at the Lynn Senior Center
- Y-Binh Nguyen: Creative exploration of artist’s identity through research, writing, travel
- Edwin Cabrera: Support the completion of Lynn Hip Hop Documentary
- uBuyile Narwele: New choreographic work #SIDELINES through African Street Dance Initiative
- Rixy: Public Art making with Elevated Thought
- Raquel Jimenez: Community Dream Pop-ups, art making and activities at Lynn Museum/ Lynn Arts
- James "Jayvie" Mora: Book Publication & Launch
- Linda Mullen: Artistic exploration of family and indigenous ancestry
Past Grantees
- Arpeggione Ensemble, Inc. (Beverly): Screening of Nosferatu (1922) with live orchestra at Cinema Salem.
- Awesome Gloucester (Rockport): Maritime heritage murals of cod and mackerel (#6 and #7 in series).
- Bread & Roses Heritage Festival (Lawrence): Boosting literacy with free books and a “Story Walk” in partnership with the library.
- Brothers In Arms Men's Support Circle (Lawrence): Creation of a Juneteenth Festival in Lawrence.
- Cape Ann Art Haven (Gloucester): Digital art curriculum for middle and high school students.
- Cape Ann Museum: New LGBTQ+ events: “Pride Family Picnic” and “Lavender Speakeasy.”
- Elevated Thought (Lawrence): Community-engaged murals to revitalize downtown Lawrence.
- Essex Art Center (Lawrence): Facade project with poetry and banners by local artists and writers.
- Essex Shipbuilding Museum (Essex): Tents and staging for inaugural Arts and Culture Festival.
- Haverhill Historical Society: “A Seat at the Table” exhibit, lecture, and children’s program.
- Heathmere Center (Beverly): Community Art & Peace Circle featuring mindfulness and meditation.
- Irise Dance Project (Lawrence): Artist in Residence program with workshops and “Studio Sessions.”
- La House (Lawrence): Public art project addressing spatial justice with community input.
- Lanes Coven Theater Co. (Gloucester): “$5 Buck Sundays” outdoor Shakespeare/classical plays.
- LEO Inc. (Lynn): Mosaic Cultural Project connecting residents to Lynn’s diverse heritage.
- Lynn Music Foundation (Lynn): Lynn Music Festival on the beach to celebrate local music.
- Maia Mattson (Gloucester): Backyard Growcery eco-art programming.
- Northeast Regional Folk Alliance: Coffee & Wood Concert Series for touring folk artists.
- PeabodyTV (Peabody): Young artist music festival featuring youth performers.
- Presente! Festival (Lawrence): Cultural arts event providing free performances and celebrating heritage.
- Task Force Against Discrimination (Marblehead): First AAPI Heritage Month celebration with cultural performances.
Examples of Previously Funded Proposals
- Travel expenses for artistic tours and event participation
- Promotion and event travel for poetry publications
- Venue and material costs for showcases, exhibitions, and workshops
- Installation support for ceramic kilns, murals, and public art projects
- Equipment and supply purchases (e.g., sound equipment, signage, framing)
- Fashion show fees, materials, and ready-to-wear collection support
- Vendor space and pop-up event assistance
- Performance, recording, and musician hiring support
- Membership, submission, and professional development fees
- Event and branding support for festivals and cultural showcases
- Culinary and cultural event participation support
- Creative writing and academic program support
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