The Cultural Council planned a leadership handoff and eyed direct MCC grant payments at its Aug. 19 meeting. Chair Pallavi Nagesha told the Aug. 19 meeting she will hand the gavel to Vice Chair Marie Isenburg once the current grant cycle closes at the end of January 2027, remaining a voting member through 2029. The council welcomed new member Hailey Fuqua, a professional opera singer and former MCC-grant consultant, and confirmed Naresh Mysore continues as treasurer through 2027.
Nagesha said grant reimbursements have slowed because the town clerk’s office is running with a single part-time staffer, and the council is exploring whether the Massachusetts Cultural Council could disburse funds directly to grantees, calling it an effort to “get rid of the middleman.” The council reaffirmed a $500 allocation for the Arts Wayland Depot mural, will price 10 rail trail banners for a possible community design contest, and will seek a booth at Wayland Fest on Oct. 3. Next meeting: Sept. 16.
