A mural highlighting Needham’s knitting industry off Chapel Street, a presentation by Revolutionary War reenactors on the Town Common and a music festival at Powers Hall – what they have in common is they were all made possible with grants from the Needham Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
Council chairperson Abby Bernstein describes the NCAC as “a collaborative and creative group of volunteers” that have “a strong commitment to fostering and furthering Needham’s artistic and cultural environment.”
A Needham resident of nearly 14 years, Bernstein was drawn to join the NCAC due to her vested personal interest in the arts – she’s a photographer – and her prior participation in the Cambridge Open Studios Advisory Committee. She’s been involved with the NCAC for three years, and this is her first as chair.
“We serve as a resource and an advocate for the artistic and cultural creative sector, and we do that by maintaining regular contact with local artists, organizations and the town,” she explained. “We also interface with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which is our parent organization.”
The NCAC’s primary function is its annual grant program, which allows for local creative efforts to blossom and thrive, and is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Town of Needham, as well as any donations they receive.
“Last year we provided $25,495 of Massachusetts Cultural Council- and Town of Needham-funded grants to 33 grantees,” said Bernstein, “and, in the past four years, we’ve made grants to 110 individuals and organizations in the artistic and cultural sector.”
The NCAC grant period for next year is now open and they are accepting proposals through Oct. 16.
One of the NCAC’s 2025 grantees was the Needham Housing Authority (NHA), which was inspired to apply for the program after completing an extensive renovation of their facility’s community room.
“I thought it would be very encouraging and inviting to have professional artists join us and create different types of art [and use] different mediums with residents,” said resident services coordinator Laurie Blake.
Over the past few weeks, the NHA has begun hosting a series of workshops led by local artists. Two of the three professionals have already paid their first visit to the facility.
On Sept. 10, “self-taught mixed-media artist and educator” Vidya Shyamsundar brought her talents to the NHA residents in the form of a mandala-making lesson and a meditation session. Both aspects of the class were heavily inspired by her Indian heritage. Shyamsundar will return Nov. 5.
Needham artist and poet laureate Anne E.G. Nydam taught a two-part workshop on rubber block printmaking for the NHA residents.
A three-part workshop hosted by abstract artist and art therapist Adina Troen-Krasnow is on deck for October, with lessons taking place on the 15th, 22nd and 29th. During this series, NHA residents will dive into the world of mosaic art using objects such as ceramic tiles, shells, rocks and glass.
Needham residents will have the opportunity to stop by the NHA on the evening of Nov. 14 for a “community celebration” and a gallery that showcases the work of the residents who attended the art classes.
“Without the grant, I never would’ve been able to afford or have the availability of the artists that were put forth to me,” said Blake.
NCAC tries to ensure that their classes of grantees reach the wide variety of demographics and interests present in Needham. One of their biggest goals is to make art accessible to Needham residents of all ages.
“I feel like a lot of – not all, but a lot of – the grants that we get, or a lot of the initiatives that are taken, are [geared] towards either the younger demographic of Needham, like the school-aged people, or seniors,” explained current co-chair (and former secretary) of the NCAC Heather Simmons. “Being very much a family town, it’s always nice to bring different demographics together.”
NCAC supported the first Needham Multicultural Festival in 2024.
“The NCAC grant program played a vital role in making the inaugural Needham Multicultural Festival possible,” said Bala Venkat, a former NCAC board member. “Having seen firsthand how NCAC funding empowers local artists and organizations, I encouraged the planning committee to pursue a grant to help bring the festival to light.”
Venkat hopes the event will make a return in 2026.
The Needham-based Arlekin Players Theatre, whose performances are rooted in the Russian theater tradition, has also been supported by the NCAC. General manager Mark Soucy cites the grant program as a “major part” of the organization’s growth and overall success.
The NCAC and its board members hope to continue making an impact in town for years to come.
“A strong arts community promotes social connection, cohesion, inclusion, public engagement, and community togetherness, as well as positive economic impact,” said Bernstein. “And it should be – and it is – really prioritized here in Needham.”
Information on this year’s grant application process, which closes Oct. 16, is available online.
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