Programs celebrating Chinese New Year, exploring South African music and offering ukulele lessons to seniors were among the 19 programs that received 2025 grants from the Andover Cultural Council. The nonprofit’s grants, which were announced Wednesday, total $18,710.
“Investing in the arts strengthens our community, and I’m grateful to the Andover Cultural Council for awarding grants to such a wide variety of programs,” said Rep. Tram Nguyen (D-Andover). “These initiatives ensure that creativity continues to thrive in Andover, and I look forward to seeing their impact this year.”
The Andover Cultural Council is a non-profit local cultural council that supports arts, humanities, and science programs in our community and is run entirely by volunteers. Funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the ACC awards annual grants through a competitive process to local artists, organizations, and educational initiatives.
“The Andover Cultural Council embodies our community’s commitment to artistic excellence. Inspired by watching these programs flourish throughout the years, I recognize how critical cultural programming is to our town’s vibrancy,” state Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover) said. This year’s strategic grant funding will empower local artists, preserve our historical narratives, and drive innovative community engagement.”
The grant winners are:
- Andover Chinese Charm Circle (ACCC): Funding to enhance their 2025 Chinese New Year celebration with new costumes, instruments, and improved audio-visual equipment, bringing a vibrant cultural experience to the community.
- Andover Public Schools – Middle School Show Choir: Support for specialized choreography sessions led by a guest artist, elevating the performance quality of the Interlude show choir and fostering young talent.
- Andover Senior Center: Funding for a “Teaching Ukulele to Seniors” program, promoting social connection, cognitive stimulation, and lifelong learning through music.
- Andover WECAN: Support for the Youth Sustainability Fair, empowering youth to become environmental stewards through presentations, art projects, and scientific research.
- Pranav Swaroop: Funding for “Project SARANG – Colors of South Asian Music,” a fusion music concert exploring the rich musical traditions of South Asia and fostering cultural understanding.
- Chinese Cultural Exchange of the Andovers, Inc.: Funding for their annual Chinese New Year Festival, a large-scale cultural celebration that brings the community together.
- Hurl, Steve: Funding for a “Jumpin’ Juba Library Concert,” bringing the sounds of blues and roots music to the Memorial Hall Library.
- MUSIC Dance.edu: Funding for “Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors!,” a dance series promoting physical activity, creative expression, and fun for older adults.
- Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, Inc.: Support for hosting a round of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival at Andover High School, showcasing young theatrical talent.
- Meng, Huihan: Funding for a performance of the “Fragrant Jasmine Suite” by the YiZhiYin GuZheng Ensemble, sharing the beauty of traditional Chinese music with the community.
- Merrimack Valley Community Music School, Inc.: Funding to provide free musical performances and activities at the Andover Farmers Market, enriching the community experience and supporting local musicians.
- New England Classical Singers, Inc.: Funding for their 2024-2025 season, featuring diverse choral works and educational outreach programs, bringing high-quality vocal music to Andover.
- Northeast School of Ballet, Inc.: Funding to provide free and reduced-cost tickets for Andover seniors to attend the “Spring Series: Ethereal Space” ballet performances, making the arts accessible to all.
- O’Hara, Emily: Funding for the creation and presentation of a “Botanical Immersion Box,” a multi-sensory art installation that invites participants to connect with nature and experience mindfulness.
- Society for Historically Informed Performance, Inc.: Funding for their 2025 Summer Concert Series, showcasing early music performance and offering a unique historical and cultural experience.
- The Andover Historical Society: Funding for “REV250: Revisiting the American Revolution 250 Years Later,” a series of programs exploring local and national history during this significant anniversary.
- Waterman, Jon: Funding for “Live Music Making History Live,” a concert with original songs and arrangements to make history engaging and accessible.
- Whitney, David: Funding for the “Andover-At-Work” photography project, documenting the often-unseen work of Andover town employees and celebrating their contributions to the community.
- York, Matt: Funding for “Johnny Cash Songs and Stories w/ Matt York,” a free public performance celebrating the legacy of a music icon.