Proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs due October 15.

The Reading Cultural Council has set an October 15 postmark deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

According to Council Chair and spokesperson Lynn Cassinari, these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in  Reading  including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures.

The Reading Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

This year, the Reading Cultural Council will distribute about $4620 in grants. Previously funded projects include:  The Reading Antiquarian Society Colonial Faire $600; Reading Memorial High School Speaker- Rosalind Wiseman $1,000; Creative Arts for Kids, Inc. Community Arts Festival $750; Reading Art Association Fall Art Exhibition $650.

For specific guidelines and complete information on the Reading Cultural Council, contact Lynn Cassinari at 781-942-2664 or lcassinari@verizon.net. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.mass-culture.org . Applications are also available at the Town Hall and Reading Public Library.