Community Initiative - Mass Cultural Council

Organized by the Sharon Cultural Council and Sharon Recreation Department, the "3rd Annual Sharon Chalk Art Festival" was a day filled with creativity and community spirit through chalk art by many artists!

Participants and the Community Initiative Team were able to enjoy watching artists at work, food trucks, music, and family-friendly activities. Learn more about Sharon CC funded programs: https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/sharon/

Lowell's Downtown Canalway Cultural District is home to the Lowell Summer Music Series, running now through September 13 at Boarding House Park, with shows like The Fab Faux on July 17, the Lowell Folk Festival July 24-26, Iron & Wine on August 7, and Graham Nash closing out the season!

It's a good reminder of what are built to do: turn a historic mill city landmark into a gathering place that draws people from across the region into downtown Lowell for a shared night out.

Free live music programming like this matters because it keeps arts accessible. It brings foot traffic to local restaurants and shops, and it gives a regional identity to a neighborhood built on its industrial and immigrant history. This is what cultural districts do at their best: turn public space into community space.

Full lineup and tickets:

Lowell Summer Music Series Live music in beautiful Boarding House Park in downtown Lowell, MA.

All artists are welcome to participate in the The Aspen Institute Leadership Seminars cover art contest! Submissions may include, but are not limited to, painting, drawing, graphic design, or photography. Be sure to read the rules and guidelines thoroughly.

Deadline: August 16, 2026.
Guidelines & Submission Form: www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-leadership-seminars/cover-art-contest/

"The Canvas of Leadership" Cover Art Contest "The Canvas of Leadership" invites artists to creatively explore and visually represent the leadership themes at the center of our seminars.

Our Communities Team attended the opening night of the Petersham Art Show, an annual tradition presented by the Petersham Cultural Council for nearly 20 years! The evening featured a wonderful mix of local art, live music, and food, bringing the community together to celebrate creativity and connection.

Thank you to the Petersham Cultural Council for making space for local artists and community connection! Learn more about the council: https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/petersham/

Congratulations to the Hudson Cultural Council on receiving an Official Citation from the Massachusetts State Senate for Advancing Arts, Humanities and Interpretive Sciences in Hudson!

Thank you to Senator Jamie Eldridge for attending the council's grant reception and presenting this honorary award!

Connect with the Hudson CC: https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/hudson/