Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

a multi-day celebration spotlighting artists and providing a platform for their creative endeavors. The LCC administers funds distributed by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) through a grant process. Individuals, art organizations, schools, community groups, and municipal agencies are eligible for these grants, which the LCC administers. The grants support activities that cater to a broad demographic and must be held within the city limits. All undertakings, including exhibits, performances, readings, cultural affairs, and field trips, must primarily serve and bolster the community. The council encourages proposals that embrace the diversity of the ‘Immigrant City’. The council gives preference to artists living in Lawrence and events celebrating rich culture, equity, and inclusion. For 2024, the LCC has implemented a $4,000 limit per project. Evaluation of grant applications revolves around key criteria: project quality, community benefit, budget considerations, and funding requirements. A new school underway on Haverhill St. is expected to cost $1.8 million. Nestor Castillo, Communications Director for the Mayor’s Office, says, “The Mayor is always willing to create opportunities for youth by occupying them in activities like dancing and theater.” City Councilor Stephanie Infante is spearheading, in collaboration with City Hall. These educational initiatives and funding mechanisms contribute to the lively urban scene and produce world-renowned talent like Grammy Award-Winning Artist Nicky Jam. Poet Robert Frost called this area home for his early school years, and his writings were first published in the Lawrence High School newspaper. Native Robert Goulet is a Grammy-winning singer and Tony-winning actor. Leonard Bernstein, composer and conductor, had deep roots in Lawrence. Born in 1918, he only spent the first year of his life in the locale but kept a strong connection to it. The city celebrated the artist’s 65th birthday in 1983 with a 10-day festival, and by declaring August 54 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02