TAKE ACTION: ENDORSE THE PLACE ACT
Seated in the center is Claudia Paraschiv, public artist in residence for the City of Salem and former MASSCreative Advocacy & Organizing Fellow. Claudia sits in front of a large-scale, mobile tree sculpture called the “Tree of Care + Wonder.” Triangles in the bottom right are decorative.
MASSACHUSETTS IS THE ONLY STATE IN NEW ENGLAND WITHOUT A PERCENT FOR PUBLIC ART PROGRAM.
Public art is the physical manifestation of Massachusetts residents’ diverse identities, our cultural heritage, and the stories we preserve. Communities across Massachusetts have long welcomed public art as sources of inspiration and economic development. In 2017, the Beyond Walls 10-Day international mural festival in Lynn generated over $100,000 for local restaurants and businesses. It also attracted more than 5,000 visitors who attended related festival events and watched the mural installations. Public art is one of the most accessible forms of art for people to enjoy.
27 states and territories currently have active percent for public art programs. Massachusetts is the only New England state that is not on that list. In 2014, Gov. Patrick issued an executive order creating a percent for public art program in Massachusetts, which dissolved following his time in office.
With the recent passage of major housing and economic development legislation, we have an opportunity to ensure that public art is included from the start in community development plans.
WHAT THE PLACE ACT WOULD DO.
The PLACE Act creates a permanent percent for public art program in Massachusetts. Through this Act, 1/2 of 1% of the funds that go to construction or renovation projects of any Commonwealth-owned building or property would go into a fund to create and maintain public art. The legislation includes a $300,000 cap per project.
The PLACE Act establishes a commission with representation from Massachusetts’ creative community to be responsible for convening local advisory groups to determine public art projects, approving the installation of public art, and ensuring its maintenance. The Act gives priority to applications by artists from Massachusetts.
ENDORSE THE PLACE ACT AND JOIN THE COALITION
The MASSCreative Action Network is building a coalition of artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and cross-sector allies to advocate for this necessary bill. We know that united advocacy works and we invite you to join our coalition today.
By endorsing the PLACE Act, you are sending a public message to your community and elected officials that you believe we all benefit from the increase and maintenance of public art in Massachusetts. The more endorsers we have, the stronger our signal is to legislators that this bill has broad, statewide support. You can sign on as an individual, cultural organization, or both!
Question: Can my 501(c)(3) nonprofit endorse legislation without jeopardizing our tax-exempt status?
Answer: Yes! Check out our guide for nonprofits to learn more.
As an endorser, we will ask you to support the PLACE Act in the following ways:
Endorsers give the MASSCreative Action Network permission to include their name on our website, in public testimony, and with legislators.
We encourage endorsers to testify in support of the bill at public committee hearings and submit written testimony in support of the legislation.
Work to engage more state and local lawmakers to support the bill through email, phone calls, and other outreach.
Share news, calls to action, and other advocacy efforts via social media and communication platforms.
Share your feedback on ways to strengthen the legislation.
Complete the individual or organization endorsement forms below to join the coalition today.
ENDORSE AS AN INDIVIDUAL:
ENDORSE AS AN ORGANIZATION:
