LYNN — The City of Lynn and the Lynn Creative Cities Partnership group just announced the 2024 Lynnspire Grants. 

$60,000 will be awarded in ranges of $1,000 to $10,000 to local creatives and groups who are making, or keeping “place,” in and around their community. Applications opened Monday, April 22 with a submission deadline of 11:59 p.m. May 19. 

Now in its second year, Lynnspire works to celebrate the rich diversity and creative vitality of Lynn. This regranting initiative directs efforts toward investing in local creatives; creating and preserving spaces where the community can come together and appreciate various forms of expression. 

“This opportunity supports our local, creative talent and is a great way to promote inclusive efforts while also embracing our city’s identity. Lynn has an outstanding tradition of community engagement and collaboration through arts and culture, and we encourage all creatives in our community to apply,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. 

This program aims to provide financial support to innovative ideas, concepts, programs, and initiatives that contribute positively to the local creative economy.

 “We are thrilled to offer a second round of grants to our community,” said LaCrecia Thomson, arts and culture planner for the City of Lynn. “We believe that community and civic pride and participation is strengthened when the community itself takes part in the creation of the local cultural offerings.” 

Applicants can click here to apply. 

• Applications open: Monday, April 22 
• Grant info session: Monday, April 29 – 6 p.m. (virtual) (bi-lingual Spanish & English) 
• Submission deadline: Sunday, May 19 (11:59 p.m.)
• Award notification: Friday, May 31 
• Projects/events must be completed by: Dec. 31
• Project report due: Jan. 31, 2025 

In 2023, the Lynnspire grant program supported more than 15 individual creatives, organizations, and collaborative community efforts, including ethnic festivals, maker-space events, performances, LGBTQ+ initiatives, and more. 

“Last year’s recipients highlighted the diversity of medium and talent that Lynn has become known for,” Luis Cotto, creative strategist for the Creative Cities initiative, said. “With an increase in grants available, we look forward to seeing more incredible programming in the city.” 

The Lynnspire grant is funded by MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation. This program is one component of a broader “TDI Creative Cities” initiative to boost arts-based economic development.