Wayland Cultural Council closes 2026 grant cycle, eyes three sponsored projects

WAYLAND — January 21, 2026 — Wayland Cultural Council closes its 2026 grant cycle and lines up three local projects for roughly $1,035 in sponsored funds. Chair Pallavi Nagesha told members Tuesday that final paperwork has been filed with the Mass Cultural Council and that an $850 grant to a canceled Scottish festival will roll into the 2027 cycle because the Jan. 15 reallocation deadline has passed. Members unanimously approved December's minutes on a motion from Kevin Goodwin, seconded by Marie Isenburg. The council is weighing a town pool mural, a rail trail bench with the Historical Commission, and an "Echoes of Liberty" exhibit tied to Wayland's 300th anniversary, with Naresh Mysore urging a unifying theme: "We should have some theme that the team agrees on." About $350 in administrative funds is reserved for the annual grantee reception, which members hope to move to the new senior center in April or May.