We have reached a moment where going back to normal is not enough. As a statewide advocacy organization, MASSCreative encourages the creative community to reckon with the current social and economic crisis brought on by COVID-19, racial injustice, and police brutality. We encourage the creative community to use its individual and collective resources to take action and build a more equitable, just future. 

We call on all creatives to reflect on the roles you play in the social change ecosystem. We encourage you to use your voice and your art to reach out to your elected officials and advocate for reform of our public health and justice systems. Allies and accomplices, we encourage you to use your resources to support, follow, and promote Black artists, and Black-founded and Black-run arts & culture organizations and creative businesses.

Virtual Policy & Action Updates

Last Friday, in response to worldwide protests against the police killing of George Floyd, the MASSCreative team changed up our weekly Policy & Action Update to help members of the creative community reflect on the roles they play in the social change ecosystem. Check out MASSCreative’s June 5 Policy & Action Update Register for MASSCreative’s June 12 Policy & Action Update

What you can do

This week, we want to use this space to highlight the work of a few organizations that have used their time and resources over the past two weeks to amplify the anti-racist work we must collectively commit to.

Anti-Racism Resources from StageSource

Black Lives Matter Resource List from SpeakEasy Stage Company

Show Your Support from Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture Boston

Black Lives Matter from Elevated Thought

Cultural Equity Learning Community from Arts Connect International

Movement for Black Lives Policy Platform

Read more about these organizations and resources in our Spotlight: Supporting Black Communities and Voices

Policy Update

MASSCreative continues to monitor and report on state policy that supports equitable communities and a stronger, more inclusive creative sector. 

Learn more in MASSCreative's Policy Update, including three important developments from the past week:

Reopening Plan Enters Phase 2

Public Testimony on H.4743, 'An Act Assisting Non-profits To Provide for COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits'

H.4778, 'An Act Relative to Voting Options in Response to COVID-19' Passes House

Read more in MASSCreative's Policy Update

Action Update

We are all being called by the current social and economic crisis to take both individual and collective action to build a more equitable, just future.  In the coming weeks, MASSCreative, in partnership with the Theater Offensive and MassVOTE, are relaunching the nonpartisan, public education campaign Create the Vote 2020 with a deeper focus to increase civic engagement and strengthen democracy. Sign up to receive insider updates on Create the Vote 2020

Hope to see you on Friday, June 12 from 9:45-10am for our next Policy & Action Update.

If you’re looking for more COVID-19 resources, you can check out MASSCreative’s COVID-19 pages, including updates, resources, advocacy, policy recommendations, and policy & action updates.