Hanover Theatre Opens Applications For Access Grant Program

WORCESTER, MA — The Hanover Theatre in Worcester has officially opened applications for its Jean McDonough Arts Center 2026 Access Grant Program.

The program funds Worcester-area creatives and organizations to use the Jean McDonough Arts Center for performances, exhibitions and community events. The program has awarded over $250,000 to artists, performers and organizations for more than 30 projects.

The program is funded by The Barr Foundation, which invested $400,000 over three years to continue the program. It works in partnership with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, which manages the two-step application process.

Here's which organizations, projects and individuals have been awarded Access Grant funding this year:

• Worcester Hip Hop Congress: Words You Can See Vol 5: Director’s Edition | October 23, 2025
• Karen Kempskie-Aquino: A Cultural Mosaic in America Created Through Middle Eastern Music and Dance | November 9, 2025
• Rare Rebels: Exhibit and Story Showcase and Exhibit |November 5-9, 2025
• The Poet’s Cauldron: A Message to the Gods Exhibit and World-Renowned Poet Ursula Rucker | March 18-29, 2026
• Bodies Moving: MILK Exhibit and Live Performance | April 29 - May 10, 2026
• XiangLi: Watercolor Multi-Sensory Chinese Empress Art and Culture Experience |May 13-24, 2026

“The first two cycles of the Access Grant Program were both incredibly successful and hugely informative, and we are excited to see what stories this next round of support will bring to life in the JMAC,” said Alan Seiffert, President and CEO of The Hanover Theatre. “Working with Greater Worcester Community Foundation will help us reach our largest, most diverse pool of applicants yet.”

There will be a public info session on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, at 20 Franklin St. You can register here.

See Also:

• $6M In Funding Available For Projects: Worcester Community Preservation Committee Accepting Applications
• Worcester Gives $1.9M For Day Resource Center For Homeless Residents
• Worcester Gets First Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon At Busy Crosswalk
• Quinsigamond Community College Gets $106K For Personal Care Assistant Program