House Ways and Means Proposes $25.9M for the Mass Cultural Council in FY25
On April 10, 2024, the House Ways and Means Committee announced their proposed spending plan for FY25 and included $25,895,000 for the Mass Cultural Council (line item 0640-0300). The House Ways and Means Budget proposes a 2% increase over Gov. Healey’s H.2 allocation for the Mass Cultural Council, and recommends an overall 3.58% increase over FY24’s historic investment of $25 million for the agency.
In March, the Mass Cultural Council testified to the Joint Committees on Ways and Means expressing their support for the $25.5 million included in H.2. In their testimony, they urged House and Senate members to also adopt $25.5 million in FY25. MASSCreative has joined the Mass Cultural Council in urging the Legislature to approve $25.5 million for their grants and operating budget.
The creative sector is a proven economic stimulant in Massachusetts. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) recently reported that in 2022, arts and cultural production in the state accounted for $28.6 billion in economic impact, 133,773 jobs, and 4.1% of the state’s economy. Arts and cultural production ranked 2nd in Massachusetts among comparison sectors in terms of value added. At the local level, an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts revealed that Springfield’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $82.4 million in economic activity in 2022, supporting 1,483 jobs and generating $15.3 million in local, state, and federal revenues. Other key findings from the Springfield AEP6 show that the Springfield nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $29 million in event-related spending by its audiences, and the average attendee spent $31.85 per person on event-related goods in the local economy on items such as retail, parking and hospitality.
The proposed investments in creativity are significant at a time when state revenue collections are below projections and legislators are warning of a leaner FY25 Budget. In the last week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that they are instituting hiring controls amid the concerning revenue outlook. The House’s planned increase for the Mass Cultural Council signifies an understanding from elected leaders that a stronger creative economy is vital not only for social and cultural vibrancy in towns and cities, but also for economic resiliency and growth.
MASSCreative is encouraging its members to thank their state representatives and House leadership for their support of arts and culture in the FY25 Budget. As a statewide arts and culture advocacy organization, MASSCreative will continue working in coalition with individual artists, creatives, cultural organizations and institutions, cross-sector partners, and elected officials to advocate for $25.9 million for the Mass Cultural Council in the final FY25 spending plan. Visit our House Ways and Means FY25 Budget action page for more guidance about thanking your state representative.
A hearing for The Creative Space Preservation Act is set for Monday September 18 - learn how to join advocacy leaders in supporting this crucial bill.
A hearing for The PLACE Act is set for Monday, September 18 - learn how to join advocacy leaders in supporting this crucial bill.
Support the Downtown Vitality Act by endorsing the legislation, encouraging your elected officials to co-sponsor, and sharing with your networks.
Join a coalition of artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and sector allies to advocate for the PLACE Act.
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MASSCreative Action Network is building a coalition of artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and sector allies to advocate for the Cultural Equity in Tourism Bill - learn how you can join.
During this month's webinar, we reviewed the FY25 House Ways and Means Budget, the state budget process, and the federal STAGES Act and CREATE Art Act. We also provided updates about our inaugural Creative Advocacy Institute happening on May 17th in Lowell, as well as this year's Create the Vote campaign season.
Read Catherine Headen’s blog on her reflection as a 2023-2024 Advocacy and Organizing Fellow and her work supporting creative volunteers.
On Friday, March 8, 2024, MASSCreative used their monthly Policy & Advocacy Webinar to provide a federal funding update, review the Governor’s Economic Development Bond Bill, give a status update on the Creative Sector Legislative Agenda, and preview the FY25 State Budget. Read the blog to watch the recording and download the slideshow.
Read Ami Bennitt’s blog on her reflection as a 2023-2024 Advocacy and Organizing Fellow and her work with the #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition.
In this month's webinar, we recapped Creative Sector Advocacy Week in January and shared Joint Rule 10 outcomes for the Creative Sector Legislative Agenda. We also shared the news that Boston City Council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the Creative Space Preservation Act.
On Friday, January 12, 2024, MASSCreative held the first of two trainings preparing arts and culture advocates for Creative Sector Advocacy Week 2024. During this Webinar, the MASSCreative team reviewed the schedule for Advocacy Week and shared tips and outlines for meeting with lawmakers and organizing advocacy meetings.
MASSCreative was joined by the Massachusetts Health Connector for a presentation on their open enrollment period. Open enrollment lasts now through January 23, 2024. See our webinar recording and linked resources to get started.
Check out the resources we shared at November’s Policy & Action Webinar.
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.
Check out the resources we shared at October’s Policy and Action Update Webinar.
During our September Policy & Action Update Webinar, we discussed how to prepare for Fall hearings and announced our Advocacy & Organizing Fellowship!
During our July Policy & Action Update Webinar, we reviewed the Federal FY24 Budget and proposed NEA appropriations, discussed the status of the State FY24 Budget, and previewed advocacy opportunities in Fall 2023.
Three months into the new year, the Massachusetts creative sector is celebrating significant policy milestones through the Creative Sector Legislative Agenda, Economic Development Bond Bill, and FY25 Budget.
It’s been an eventful and exciting year! In this letter, Emily shares her thoughts on our accomplishments in 2023 and things we’re looking ahead to in 2024.
Meet our 2023-2024 Advocacy & Organizing Fellows!
In November 2023, we held a town hall on the Downtown Vitality Act and the Co-Creative Center New Bedford.
Join us for a Town Hall on the Downtown Vitality Act on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 4 PM in New Bedford.
Four Massachusetts communities were featured in the National Center for Arts Research released the Arts Vibrancy Index Report for 2022.
