PUBLIC FUNDING FOR ARTS & CULTURE
Building a more equitable and inclusive creative sector for all residents of the Commonwealth.
Public funding of arts, culture and creativity ensures that everyone in Massachusetts has access regardless of economic status, geography, education or ability. Because creativity and culture strengthens our communities, connects us to each other and generates significant economic activity, investments from federal, state and local governments is a sound investment of taxpayer dollars.
But public funding for the creative community doesn’t happen by accident. It requires us to share with our elected officials and neighbors the very real impact the creative economy has in Massachusetts. Below are advocacy opportunites and resources to help you in this work.
Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee released their FY26 Budget. Take action today to support creativity in Massachusetts.
Take action on the FY26 Mass Cultural Council and Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund budgets by signing our advocacy letter to the House and Senate.
Share your support for the Creative Sector Agenda with your elected officials.
Support increasing public art in Massachusetts by endorsing the PLACE Act.
Support total inclusion and access to the creative economy by endorsing the ACE Act.
Support the protection and expansion of future creative maker spaces by endorsing the Creative Space Act.
An important part of the governing process is public hearings. These occur on all levels of government (Federal, State, and Local). Understanding the hearing process and how you can participate will make you a more effective advocate for a more equitable and inclusive creative sector.
Maintaining and increasing public investment in the creative community requires constant and broad grassroots activism throughout the annual budget process.
There is a lot of misinformation on what a nonprofit can and cannot do when it comes to advocating for its interests and the needs of the communities they serve. Check out our Nonprofits and Advocacy Resource on how your organization effectively and confidently advocate for a more equitable and inclusive creative sector of all residents in the Commonwealth.
In this webinar, we took time to honor Juneteenth and Pride Month, and talked about the status of arts education funding and voting protections.
In this webinar, we discussed mapping our roles in a social change ecosystem, talked about proposed legislation to address COVID-19 voting options, the 2020 Census, and reviewed federal and state supports for the creative sector.
In this webinar, we had a community conversation about mapping our social change roles during times of crisis.
Read Richeline's blog about attending the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. and how artists can play a role in strengthening communities and democracy.
Last week, MOAC for the City of Boston announced that they are establishing a $10M multi-year Cultural Investment Grant funded through local ARPA appropriations.
“Budgets are a reflection of our priorities: what we choose to spend public funds on is in direct relationship to what we value. The creative sector plays a crucial role in the vibrancy of our cities and towns. Artists, creative workers, and cultural organizations strengthen our connections to each other and our communities.” said Emily Ruddock, Executive Director of MASSCreative