When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Commonwealth back in March, uncertainties abounded: how long would the lockdown last? How could we keep safe? That the nature of the virus required us to isolate and be apart from our communities only heightened our anxieties. In the arts & cultural sector, where community connection is so often at the very core of our work, the loss felt particularly devastating. In that moment, the only solution seemed to be to find a way to come together. 

Ann Smith, the executive director of Martha’s Vineyard’s Featherstone Center for the Arts, who chaired Arts Martha’s Vineyard (ArtsMV) for a decade, knew to start with a conversation.

MASSCreative continues to monitor and report on state and federal policy that supports equitable communities and a stronger, more inclusive creative sector. Here's the Policy Update from the last two week including:

• Federal legislation
• State legislation
• MA reopening
• Arts Education and school reopenings

Via Americans for the Arts:

"On July 27, U.S. Senate Republicans released their proposal for the next COVID-19 relief bill - the HEALS Act (an acronym for "Health, Economic Assistance, Liability protection, Schools"). Now, crucial negotiations will take place in the coming days to move the legislation through the Senate in a way that will allow a compromise bill with the HEROES Act which the House approved in May." 

Contact Congress and urge support for the arts in COVID-19 relief legislation.

UPDATE: As of 8/24/20 Secretary Galvin recommends mail-in ballots be delivered directly to local election offices instead of sent by mail. Learn more via MALC's blog post. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic currently affecting the safety of in-person polls, a number of states across the country have adapted to expand mail-in-voting, including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We're encouraging our creatives to #CreateTheVote and vote by mail, to both protect your own health and safety, but also to protect the health and safety of your communities. However, we recognize that this process is new to many and presents its own complications. That's why the #CreateTheVote campaign has put together some resources to help you figure it out!

Included in this Update

• Extended Legislative Session
• Economic Development Bond Bill 
• Local Aid and State Education Funding
• FY21 State Budget
• Juneteenth

This Summer, MASSCreative has an exceptional group of fellows and interns leading and supporting our efforts. Learn more about them and their wonderful work!

Included in this update:

• Senate’s Fourth Stimulus Bill
• RESTART Act 
• Save our Stages Act

7/31/20 5pm Update:

The House and Senate appointed members to a conference committee to reconcile the versions of the bills. This action alert is now closed.

7/28/20 10pm Update:

The House passed a final version of the bill to be engrossed. It includes a total of $11M is included in the House bill for arts and culture:

• $6M to promote artists, local museums, local performing arts organizations, local performance venues, and other arts and cultural nonprofit organizations
• $5M to ensure students have access to remote cultural experiences and a statewide commission on COVID recovery for the creative and cultural sectors.
  

Please make sure thank your state rep for their work on behalf of arts and culture in the Commonwealth