Worcester Arts Council votes to replace 2027 fellowships with microgrants

The Worcester Arts Council voted to use MCC-provided funds for a microgrant program in the 2027 grant cycle instead of awarding traditional fellowships.

Chair Chris Mlotti proposed the change, arguing that spreading awards across more artists would put money in more hands and increase grassroots engagement. "We believe in you. Here's $1,000," he said as an example of the approach, framing the microgrant as an ‘‘angel investment’’ that would lower barriers to participation and culminate in a public showcase of recipients.

Supporters said microgrants would broaden the council's reach and serve as a marketing tool when multiple recipients promote their awards. Treasurer Erin Melotti and other members raised procedural questions about eligibility, recordkeeping and whether the grants might be perceived as a form of basic income. Council members clarified the intent: microgrants would be small, discretionary awards with minimal reporting requirements tied to a public showcase rather than intensive post-award oversight.

The council discussed guard rails, including limits on repeat recipients and simple application requirements (portfolio or brief statement) to avoid creating excessive administrative burden. Staff noted that recipients who receive disbursements would be tracked using tax ID information where required for payment records.

A motion to allocate MCC funds to microgrants for the 2027 cycle — while allowing outside donors to fund fellowships if they opt to do so — was moved and seconded; the motion passed by a unanimous vote of the five council members present (Chair Chris Mlotti, Treasurer Erin Melotti, Vice Chair Victor Rivera, Secretary Cassie Dearzio and Amanda Dye).

The council said it will finalize program details (amounts to be set, application form, guard rails and a showcase plan) and tie administrative requirements to existing events where possible to limit staff and volunteer workload. The decision applies to funding provided by the MCC; the council said it would accept external gifts earmarked to continue fellowships if donors choose to do so.

The council will announce implementation details and application timelines after staff complete logistics and the rubric adjustments under consideration.