Excitement fills the air as the City of Lynn, alongside the Lynn Creative Cities Partnership group, proudly unveils the 2024 Lynnspire Grants. This year, $60,000 will be allocated, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, destined to support local creatives and groups dedicated to shaping and enhancing their community’s identity. Applications for these grants open on Monday, April 22, with a submission deadline set for 11:59 pm on May 19, 2024.
Now in its second year, Lynnspire stands as a testament to the vibrant diversity and creative energy coursing through Lynn. This initiative aims to channel resources towards empowering local creatives while nurturing spaces that foster community connection and appreciation for diverse forms of expression.
Mayor Jared Nicholson shares his enthusiasm, stating, “This opportunity bolsters our local creative talent and serves as a catalyst for inclusive endeavors, all while celebrating the essence of our city. Lynn boasts a rich tradition of community engagement through arts and culture, and we urge all creatives in our midst to seize this chance.”
At its core, the program seeks to provide financial backing to innovative ideas, programs, and initiatives that contribute positively to Lynn’s creative economy. LaCrecia Thomson, City of Lynn Arts & Culture Planner, expresses her excitement, saying, “We’re delighted to offer a second round of grants to our community. We firmly believe that when the community actively participates in shaping its cultural landscape, it fosters a stronger sense of pride and civic engagement.”
To guide interested applicants, key dates for the grant cycle are outlined as follows:
- Applications Open: Monday, April 22
- Grant Info Session: Monday, April 29, 6 pm (Virtual) (Bilingual – Spanish & English)
- Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 19th, 11:59 pm
- Award Notification: Friday, May 31
- Projects/Events Completion Deadline: December 31, 2024
- Project Report Due: January 31, 2025
Reflecting on the impact of last year’s grants, which supported over 15 individual creatives, organizations, and collaborative community endeavors, Luis Cotto, Creative Strategist for the Creative Cities initiative, remarks, “The diverse array of projects funded in 2023 truly showcased Lynn’s artistic richness. With an increased grant pool this year, we eagerly anticipate witnessing even more remarkable programming unfold across the city.”
It’s important to note that the Lynnspire grant is made possible through the support of MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation. This initiative stands as a vital component of the broader “TDI Creative Cities” effort, aimed at fostering arts-based economic development within communities.
To apply for the Lynnspire Grants and be part of this transformative journey, click here. Let’s continue to ignite creativity and cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape in Lynn together.