Cultural grants distributed

The Salem Cultural Council recently awarded funding to 18 local artists, schools, and cultural organizations. The council each year receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which it disburses through grants to support community cultural activities in Salem. For fiscal 2012, the Salem Cultural Council’s grants totaled $11,050. Programs supported through this year’s grants include concerts by the Salem Philharmonic Orchestra, North Shore Concert Bands, and the Salem Jazz & Soul Festival; the Salem Arts Festival; the Salem Theater Company; the Salem Mural Project; several music, poetry, theater, film, and visual arts projects; and youth programs. “Like other cultural councils across the state, our funding was level-funded this year,” Gerald Ryan, the council’s chairman, said in a prepared statement. “Still, we are grateful to the governor and the Legislature for their continued recognition of the importance of funding art and cultural projects during these difficult times.” The deadline to apply for fiscal 2013 grants is Oct. 15. - John Laidler