LYNN — The Lynn Cultural Council met recently to discuss this year’s grant proposals and funding.
With $103,600 in funding for 2026, the LCC got through only 40 of the 80 total applications submitted. Each project is voted on individually, and funds range from $750 to the thousands, with a preference given to first-time applicants.
“(The council has a) very rigorous and thorough discussion before motions are put on the floor and voted on,” LCC Administrator Sunil Gulab said. “Everyone gets to give their perspective or what they know about certain projects or certain groups. The great thing is, the council is very diverse — young, old, male, female, people of color, different backgrounds, all from Lynn.”
That selection process is both selective and one that’s met with intention, as the LCC looks at not only how the funds will be used, but how the proposal will ultimately serve the Lynn community.
“Anyone who gets something through the council, it’s never willy-nilly,” Gulab added. “Sometimes we even call the applicant for further information… It’s very, very thorough, and I think Lynn gets good service(s) from the Cultural Council.”
Gulab, who has been on the Council for almost eight years, said this year projects range from community initiatives, art and music programs, and even schools and cultural events. He mentioned a few, including Brickett Elementary School, which submitted an extension to last year’s funding for its beautification project and garden in the school parking lot, as well as dance and music classes at the Lynn Senior Center, Cuban drumming, and, for the second year in a row, the All Hands on Art program: a free program held at the Lynn Museum.
With that, the meeting is to still be continued, Gulab said, as the LCC ended up going over the time allotted and therefore did not have enough people present to vote.
“We are going to need a second time, coming up shortly,” he said.
The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
