Lowell council and festival organizers seek regional fundraiser after $20,000 federal grant cut

The Lowell City Council voted Thursday to ask the city manager to work with community partners to organize a regional fundraiser to benefit the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation.

The action followed public comments from Arthur Sutcliffe, executive with the festival foundation, who said the festival — held in Lowell for 37 years — “is something to be proud of” and that the group recently lost a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant. “We were okay for a grant this year, and the grant was pulled away, $20,000,” Sutcliffe told the council.

The council motion, made by Councilor Hunter Blanger and seconded by Councilor Robinson, passed without recorded opposition. Councilors and speakers described the festival as a major regional event that draws roughly 50,000 people over three days and urged the manager to convene city, regional and business partners to identify sustainable funding options. “This is a regional event that attracts people from all over, all the way from Boston,” Blanger said during debate, urging a coordinated response.

Councilors and festival representatives gave residents two immediate donation options: online at LowellFolkFestival.org and by mail to Lowell Festival Foundation, P.O. Box 217, Lowell, MA 01853. Several councilors also asked the manager to evaluate whether the city website could host a donation link and to contact state and regional partners for support.

The motion included no specific funding commitment from the city beyond directing the manager and administration to organize partners and explore options. Council discussion emphasized preserving the festival for its cultural and economic benefits while seeking long-term, regionally sustainable revenue sources.

Councilors indicated they expect follow-up from the manager and the festival foundation on an organizer timeline and partner list before July’s event schedule.