The Marblehead Cultural Council has announced the recipients of its 2025 grants totaling $8,604. It is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which distributes about $7.5 million in grants each year.
“Our 11-member council enjoyed reviewing 29 broad and varied applications from members of our local arts and culture community,” said Marblehead Cultural Council President Jennifer Uhl. “We are pleased to announce that we have awarded 13 inspiration grants to enliven, enrich and deepen Marblehead’s creative arts scene throughout 2025.”
Marblehead singer Matt Arnold received $500 to present “I Remember Frank: A Celebration of Frank Sinatra — A Man and His Music” on March 8 at Star of the Sea auditorium.
Arnold said he’s grateful for MCC’s funding. “Their support, dedication and belief in the arts is a huge part of what makes Marblehead a cultural hotspot on the North Shore,” he said. “Putting on high-quality concerts is expensive, but this grant money allows me to bring in top-tier talent and hopefully enrich the lives of those Marblehead residents who seek out live performance.”
Other grant recipients include:
Brazilian-American artist Julia Cseko of Somerville is inviting Marblehead residents to share immigration stories using an Augmented Reality integration at her exhibit at Old Town Hall in Salem called “Social Fabric.” The exhibit features a textile work inspired by dozens of immigration stories collected over the last year. The exhibit runs through Jan. 31.
Joseph Dipoli received $500 for his project called, “The Slave Economy in Essex County and New England.” The project will explain how slavery was also a Northern institution. Location and date are to be announced.
Jordan Hamel received $500 for a poetry and spoken word workshop and performance. The program is for new and experienced poets. Location/date TBA
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary received $325 to present “Nature in Your Neighborhood — All About Birds in Marblehead” at the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in May.
Marblehead 250 received $1,500 for its two-day event in September honoring the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
Marblehead Museum and Historical Society received $1,529 for its annual Colonial Craft Fair at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion Gardens in May.
Salem Sound 2000 received $1,200 to host STEAM workshops for students in grades K-5 focusing on design, biomimicry and engineering. The program will run spring through fall at Abbot Library.
SPUR received $500 to host its MLK Day of Service, which was Jan. 20. SPUR invited people to make dry soup jars for local Marblehead residents facing food insecurity. It partnered with the Marblehead Food Pantry to distribute the jars.
The Delvana Theatre Company received $300 to present its show, “Mangia, Meatballs and Murder” at the Jacobi Community Center. Date is TBD.
The JCC of the North Shore received $300 for its Seacoast Singers, a senior choir open to Marblehead, Swampscott, Salem and Lynn residents. The Seacoast Singers meet once a week and will give concerts this spring. Stay tuned for dates.
Jon Waterman received $300 for his four-part series “Live Music Making History.” The series uses original songs and arrangements to get people excited about exploring history. The programs will happen at the King Hooper Mansion. Date is TBD.
Nick Zaino received $250 for his presentation “The ’80s Comedy Boom: A Boston Comedy History.” Date and time TBD.
For more information, visit the marbleheadculturalcouncil.org.
