BOSTON, September 25, 2017—Today, the Americans for the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts, and Barr Foundation held a press conference calling attention to data showing the importance of the creative economy to the local region. MASSCreative Executive Director Matt Wilson offered the following comments in response:
“This data confirms that arts matter in Massachusetts. The sector employs as many people as the construction industry. It spurs more than $2 billion of economic activity in Massachusetts alone. It is long past the time for our public officials to show the arts and creative sector the same levels of support given to healthcare, technology, and private industry.
“That means making public investments in creative projects, such as designated cultural districts that improve downtown economies, and local music festivals that bring neighbors together and build closer, more connected communities. It also means keeping the arts sector in mind when making important policy decisions. Our economy thrives when creative workers are trained and supported. Our downtowns and neighborhoods are healthier and more vibrant when public art and design are integrated into development and cultural institutions are well-resourced. Our students do better across all academic disciplines when schools offer sequential arts education from K-12.
“This fall, MASSCreative is running non-partisan Create the Vote campaigns in 20 cities across the state to raise awareness of these issues among the voting public and candidates for mayor and city council. The Commonwealth needs champions of the arts on city councils and mayor’s offices, because communities with vibrant arts scenes are places in which people want to live, work, and play.”
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Founded in 2012, MASSCreative works to build a more vibrant, healthy, and equitable Massachusetts. MASSCreative works with artists, leaders, supporters, and partners of the arts, cultural, and creative community to advocate for the resources and support necessary for the sector to thrive. Nearly 400 arts and cultural organizations and working artists from across the Commonwealth are members of MASSCreative.
