Senate Majority Leader Frederick E. Berry (D-Peabody) announced today that the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) has awarded $104,960 in funding for cultural programs that serve his district.

“These grants help fund valuable cultural programs in the communities I represent,” said Berry. “Even in tough economic times, it is important to maintain funding for cultural programs which are part of the fabric of our communities.” He continued, “This is especially true of organizations like the Peabody Essex Museum and the North Shore Music Theatre which are also economic engines for the North Shore.”

Funding for MCC is appropriated by the state legislature as part of the Commonwealth’s fiscal year 2004 budget. The MCC in turns distributes funding appropriated by the legislature to cultural programs across Massachusetts. MCC anticipates providing $5.98 million statewide to fund cultural programs this fiscal year.

$86,270 of the funding for Senator Berry’s district has been awarded through a competitive grant process. The remaining $28,690 was awarded to local cultural councils in Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem and Topsfield. A list of all funded programs is attached.