Worcester Arts Council members reviewed their most recent grant reception and outlined steps to make the event more inclusive and better attended at future receptions.

Council members said the reception ran smoothly but was sparsely attended and too last-minute. "For not knowing what to expect and, kinda I felt like some of it was a little bit of last minute," Cassie said, adding that grantees "seemed to really enjoy it" but that the council should give grantees a date and location well ahead of time so recipients can plan and the council can market the event more widely.

Why it matters: Council members said the reception should highlight Worcester artists and help grantees retain more of their grant funds by reducing venue and logistical burdens. Amanda recommended inviting past grantees to speak as alumni to show how grants affected their careers: "a powerful way that we could be doing this is by getting people that are not only grant recipients... and speak about their experience."

Members discussed specific steps to raise visibility and community connection. Suggestions included setting dates and locations earlier in the grant cycle, soliciting photos and videos from grantees throughout the year, creating event materials (poster boards or handouts) that identify grantees and their projects, and recruiting grantees to contribute entertainment or artwork. Victor and others urged the council to strengthen its own identity and relationships with the community so people come because they know and trust WACC organizers, not only because of one event.

Members also debated tone and format. One member said they wanted recognition for artists without turning the reception into a high-school style awards ceremony; the group favored displays or booklets over reading every recipient aloud. Amanda and Cassie said they will continue planning between meetings and produce a clearer calendar and outreach plan ahead of the next grant cycle.

The discussion included cross-promotion ideas, such as connecting the reception to other city art unveilings and inviting artists active in concurrent city-funded projects.

No formal motion to change the reception policy was recorded; members said follow-up planning would continue between meetings.