Grants
2026 Creative County Initiative Grants
ECCF’s Creative County offers multiple grant programs in support of Essex County artists, cultural organizations and the creative economy.
Opening January 2026
ALAANA Artist Grant
Special Project Grant
Last Mile Fund
You are welcome to watch the recording below to review additional insights on our grant programs from last year's Info Session
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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