Westport News

            WESTPORT – Area artists are invited to apply for project grants sponsored by the Helen Ellis Charitable Trust, the Westport Cultural Council has announced. 

            Application forms will be available beginning Saturday, February 11, 2012 online at www.westportculturalcouncil.org or may be picked up at the Westport Free Public Library or Westport Town Clerk’s Office on Monday, February 13, 2012.   The deadline for completion and submission of all applications is Friday, March 9, 2012.  Notification of grant awards will be sent out in April.  All applications must be submitted with 8 copies enclosed.  Late applications will not be considered.

            We encourage all artists, including painters, dancers, musicians, sculptors, writers, storytellers, theatrical groups, environmentalists, scientists and others, including organizations and schools to plan a project and apply to the Cultural Council for consideration. Proposed projects must address one or more of the following priorities:       

1.  Celebrate and preserve Westport’s diverse cultures and/or its history

2.  Promote and support longstanding agricultural and fishing traditions in Westport

3.  Enhance school activities which reach beyond the traditional scope

4.  Expose local artisans, musicians and artists to the Westport community          

5.  Engage a significant number of Westport participants of all ages

6.  Promote good design in public places

7.  Encourage responsibility for our environment

Grants will be awarded based on project costs and availability of funds.  All projects must be for the benefit of the Westport community.  

            Helen E.  Ellis (1889-1978) lived in Westport for more than a half century.  She had a lifelong interest in the arts and culture which led her to cultivate community-wide interests and to encourage others to develop their creative talents.  An avid carver of wood, she was elected to the National Association of Women Artists and Sculptors.  The Helen Ellis Trust through annual grants provides an opportunity for individuals or organizations to pursue worthy projects that benefit the Westport community’s understanding and appreciation of the arts.

            The Westport Cultural Council is a town agency appointed by the Board of Selectmen to administer funds each year for two grants:  grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Helen Ellis Charitable Trust. 

You can learn more about Westport priorities for funding on the “frequently asked questions” page and the application process at www.westportculturalcouncil.org.