New Bedford Creative Announces 23 Grant Awards for 2026

New Bedford Creative Announces 23 Art is Everywhere! and Wicked Cool Places Grant Awards for 2026

Public announcement held January 27 at the Star Store

NEW BEDFORD, MA — New Bedford Creative at the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) announced the 23 projects selected to receive funding through its Art is Everywhere! and Wicked Cool Places grant programs for 2026 during a presentation on Tuesday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Star Store in downtown New Bedford. The press event celebrated the artists, organizations, and community partners whose work continues to animate New Bedford’s neighborhoods, public spaces, and cultural life. 

An independent review committee made up of New Bedford residents, artists, and community representatives evaluated applications through a highly competitive process. Projects were selected based on artistic quality, community impact, collaboration and partnerships, feasibility, and thoughtful planning and budgeting.

“New Bedford’s arts and culture scene is thriving, driven by the creativity of local artists and the expansions of several other major cultural institutions,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “I am grateful for the efforts of New Bedford Creative to add fuel to that fire.”

“This year’s grants reflect the extraordinary creativity that exists across New Bedford—and the many ways art helps us connect to one another and to place,” said Anthony Sapienza, President of NBEDC. “These projects support artists, strengthen neighborhoods, activate public spaces, and reinforce New Bedford’s identity as a city where culture is not an add-on, but a driving force.”

The 2026 grant slate represents a dynamic mix of returning community favorites and exciting new initiatives. Together, the funded projects support local artists, celebrate cultural heritage, promote creative placemaking, and expand access to arts and culture throughout the city.

Among the returning projects is the NB Roots & Branches Festival, produced by local musicians Jeffrey Angeley and Christian Camarao. This is a free, two-day multicultural celebration of acoustic music, visual arts, and performance staged inside local businesses throughout downtown New Bedford. By centering diverse cultural communities and eliminating financial barriers to participation, the festival boosts foot traffic for small businesses, fosters cross-cultural exchange, and strengthens a shared sense of belonging across neighborhoods.

Another returning project is Reggae on West Beach, organized by local artist Chakira Gonsalves, celebrating its 10th anniversary of free summer cultural events that revitalize West Beach and Hazelwood Park through inclusive community planning, local hiring, and partnerships that uplift small businesses and residents. The event includes DJs, dance and musical performances, a local vendors market, food trucks and family-friendly activities.

New to the 2026 grant cycle is Scallopalooza, produced by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. This free, family-friendly mini-festival celebrates the skills, culture, and history of New Bedford’s scallop industry through live demonstrations, competitions, food, art, and educational programming. Co-created with members of the fishing community, Scallopalooza strengthens placekeeping, builds public understanding, and honors a cornerstone industry that has shaped the region for generations.

Another new initiative is the Arts & Music in the Park series from the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford. The program will transform Island Park on Acushnet Avenue into a vibrant cultural commons, bringing together Cape Verdean, Caribbean, Azorean, and other communities through live music, artmaking, storytelling, and food traditions. The series emphasizes cultural exchange, intergenerational connection, and the creative activation of public space.