LOWELL – The Butler Middle School has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Mass Cultural Council through its Creative Projects for Schools Program.
The grant will fund a mural project celebrating Latino and Hispanic culture, enhancing both the school’s environment and educational experience. Local Hispanic artist Andrew Quinones will lead the project, aiming to inspire students and spread the importance of cultural heritage and inclusion.
“We are super grateful to the Mass Cultural Council for highlighting our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and to our state delegation for always advocating on behalf the arts in the public education system,” said Butler Principal Jaime Moody.
“This opportunity is exciting and highlights our commitment to strategic partnerships focused on empowering students and supporting our local creative economy,” said Neyder Fernandez, Butler’s Community Schools Program Manager.
In their time representing Lowell on Beacon Hill, both State Sen. Ed Kennedy and Rep. Vanna Howard have been champions of arts funding and of amplifying and celebrating the diversity of the Lowell Public Schools community.
“This grant will go a long way to bringing Lowell’s cultural diversity and its celebration of the arts onto the Butler campus,” said Sen. Kennedy. “I want to thank the Butler staff and the Mass Cultural Council for recognizing the importance of this mural project and I look forward to seeing the final result.”
“Senator Kennedy and I are committed to making investments in our students’ education, cultivating creativity, innovation and academic excellence in our schools,” added Rep. Howard.
This initiative is part of the Mass Cultural Council’s $34 million spending plan for the fiscal year, supporting over 2,500 grants across the Commonwealth.
