The Salem Cultural Council is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council(MCC), a state agency that supports public programs and educational activities in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The Salem Cultural Council is responsible for designing local funding criteria for the grants and granting preliminary approvals. The Massachusetts Cultural Council has final approval and awards funding drawn from appropriations from the state legislature.

The Salem Cultural Council places an emphasis on locally-based artists and programs. We are looking for works and presentations that will have the greatest impact on the Salem Community and promote the history, diverse culture and positive attributes of the North Shore area.