The Mattapoisett Cultural Council is pleased to announce the awarding of grants to 34 local and regional applicants for the 2026 cycle. This year’s funding supports a wide range of initiatives in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences, contributing to the cultural vitality of the South Coast.
“We are honored to support such a wide variety of initiatives that enrich the cultural life of our community,” said Jeanne Hopkins, Chair of the Mattapoisett Cultural Council. “The 34 projects selected for 2026 reflect a deep commitment to lifelong learning and the arts, ensuring that Mattapoisett remains a vibrant hub for creativity.”
The Mattapoisett Free Public Library is a major focus of this year’s funding, with seven diverse grants awarded to support programs for all ages. These include:
-Literary & Educational Series: The “Our Stories, Your Stories” author series and a Step-By-Step Painting Class.
-Youth & Family Engagement: Interactive programs including “Captain Luca’s Pirate Adventure,” “Big Ryan’s Tall Tales,” “Escape from the Terrible Thicket,” and a Needle Felted Cactus workshop.
-Health & Wellness: Family Yoga with Sara DaCosta.
Other 2026 grant recipients and their projects include:
-Mattapoisett PTA: Bringing Local White Shark Science to the Classrooms.
-Mattapoisett Historical Society: Celtic Concert at the Mattapoisett Museum.
-Town of Mattapoisett: Seahorse Explorer Summer Program.
-New Bedford Roots and Branches Festival 2026.
-Mini Big Top: A Mini Circus for Mini Readers.
-New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center: In the Wake: Magnuson Stevens Act at 50.
The 2026 grant determinations were made by the volunteer members of the Mattapoisett Cultural Council: Gary Brown, Carole Clifford, Barbara Poznysz, Janet Coquillette, Joanna MacDonald Ingham, James Rottler, Christopher Brennan, and Jeanne Hopkins.
This funding is made possible through the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, and the Town of Mattapoisett. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all funded programs must be accessible to people with disabilities.
For a full list of winners or for more information about the Local Cultural Council (LCC) program, please contact Jeanne Hopkins at jeanne.hopkins@gmail.com.