Celebrating creativity: Reading Cultural Council hosts 2025 Grant Reception
On Monday, May 12, the Reading Cultural Council (RCC) welcomed grantees, community leaders, and local residents to the Pleasant Street Center for its annual Grant Reception - a vibrant evening celebrating the power of art, culture, and community-driven creativity.
The event spotlighted more than 30 grant recipients whose projects have brought joy, connection, and learning to Reading throughout the past year. In total, the Council awarded $28,565 in grants, supporting initiatives ranging from town-wide festivals to educational arts programming in schools.
“We’re honored to give back.”
RCC member Steve Theodoridis kicked off the evening with a heartfelt thank-you to both the grantees and the community. “We’re so glad to support these incredible events in Reading,” he said. “This is what our town is all about.”
This year, the RCC received 46 applications requesting more than $49,000. Thanks to a combination of funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (about 2/3) and the Town of Reading (about 1/3), along with carryover funds and interest income, the council awarded partial or full funding to 37 projects.
Reading Town Manager Matt Kraunelis also spoke, thanking the RCC for its important role in supporting arts and culture. Drawing from his own experience on the Methuen Cultural Council, he praised the dedication and impact of cultural council members who often serve behind the scenes.
Spotlight on grantees
The reception featured presentations from a wide range of grantees whose work spans music, theater, STEM, education, cultural celebrations, and more.
Alan Foulds highlighted the return of Porchfest, Reading’s grassroots music festival that began during the town’s 375th celebration. This year’s event is on pace to top the previous record of 96 performances across 46 porches, driveways, and lawns. “Everything is donated,” Foulds shared. “The RCC grant helps cover essential costs like signage.”
Rod Chandler from the Community Singers spoke about their winter and spring concerts, which drew dozens of local performers, and followed with a special performance at the Pearl Street Inn.
Donna Corbett of Quannapowitt Players noted that grants help cover royalty fees and stipends for writers, making small productions possible for local audiences.
Elizabeth Wild from the Reading Public Library shared the success of senior folk dance classes and a nature presentation made possible by grant funding.
Laura Wilson of POP Huddle previewed the upcoming Reading Pride Parade, scheduled for June 7 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, which continues to grow as a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity.
From the RMHS Robotics Team, John Horn and Alster Lyons described their STEM Expo that featured “elephant toothpaste”, trivia games, and a paper airplane contest - all designed to inspire younger students to explore science and technology.
The team behind Reading’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony - Anne Schwartz, Linda Snow Dockser, and Beth Mosher - described how their now-annual event helps the local Jewish community feel seen and celebrated. They offered gratitude to community partners, including the Department of Public Works (DPW), Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), Whitelam Books, and Reading Police for their support.
Bill Enslow of Five Star Theater Company expressed appreciation for RCC’s ongoing support of their youth theater program, which includes a 4-week summer camp and performances like “Christmas in July.”
At Parker Middle School, a grant allowed for the purchase of African drums, ensuring all 7th graders could participate fully in the rhythm unit - and perform at the school’s Artsfest.
Taylor Gregory from CATO: The Coalition of Us thanked RCC for enabling the organization to add a fifth stop to their downtown Reading history tour and for funding a new tent for community events.
Supporting Reading’s identity through the arts
The Council emphasized that its goal is to fund projects that offer the broadest possible benefit to Reading residents. “We evaluate each grant based on how it serves our community,” they explained. “If we pass on a grant, it’s usually because it doesn’t connect directly with Reading.”
From large-scale public celebrations to intimate senior art classes, the funded programs reflect the town’s rich and varied cultural identity. “That shared experience fosters a sense of belonging.”
Looking ahead
Grant applications will open again in September 2025, and the Council encourages local artists, educators, and community leaders to apply. To stay connected and learn about upcoming RCC-supported events, follow @ReadingMassCC on social media.
You can also see the full list of 2025 Grant recipients on the Massachusetts Cultural Council website, and explore the background presentation shown at the reception can be seen below.
From the stage to the sidewalk, from school classrooms to senior centers, this year’s grantees are shaping Reading into a more connected, expressive, and inclusive community - one creative project at a time.
