The Foundation has opened a new grant program as part of the organization's Creative Worcester Initiative. The program, known as Creative Intersections, will fund projects that leverage the arts as a catalyst to respond to human need in a way that is authentic, inclusive, and equitable. Aimed at inspiring collaboration and innovation, the grant program seeks nonprofits proposing projects that pair non-arts sector programming with arts organizations and/or individual creatives to address needs in areas such as social justice, public health, mental health, housing, education, history, culture, identity, environment, or civic engagement.

“If we had ever doubted it, the last year has made clear that arts and creativity have the power to heal and to bring people together,” said Lindiana Semidei, Program Associate at GWCF and lead on the program. “Through this new grant opportunity, the Foundation aims to support collaborations that continue to aid our communities in recovery, amplify unheard voices, foster a sense of belonging, and uplift and celebrate cultural differences.”

Creative Intersections is designed to advance the City of Worcester's Cultural Plan. It is also part of the Foundation's Creative Worcester Initiative, a multi-year partnership with the Barr Foundation that unites GWCF with four other Massachusetts community foundations and continues to infuse Worcester's creative sector with capital and knowledge resources.

“Through our partnerships with leaders across the state and most importantly, right here in Worcester, we aim to strengthen the City's arts ecosystem,” said Carolyn Stempler, GWCF Interim President and CEO. “The Creative Intersections grant program is the next in a line of work we believe will support Worcester's creative sector in becoming fully recognized as a vital component in our community's health and wellbeing.”

Proposed projects for the Creative Intersections grant program must be based in the City of Worcester, and applicants should apply for funding in one of two cycles, the first of which is open now through August 1, 2021. The second application cycle will be open from September 15 through November 1, 2021. Awards will range from $5,000 - $10,000.

More information about GWCF's Creative Intersections grant program and instructions to apply can be found here. With questions, contact Lindiana Semidei at lsemidei@greaterworcester.org.