August 27, 2013—Today, the Boston Media Consortium announced that it would hold a televised debate among the candidates for mayor of Boston. The event conflicts with Create the Vote’s Boston Mayoral Candidate Forum on Arts, Culture, and Creativity set to take place Sept. 9 at 6pm at the Paramount Theatre.

Mayoral candidates Felix Arroyo, John Barros, John Connolly, Marty Walsh, Charlotte Golar Richie, Mike Ross, and Bill Walzcak have already confirmed their attendance at the Mayoral Candidate Forum on Arts, Culture, and Creativity. More than 325 residents have RSVP’d for the event, including most of the nearly 60 arts and cultural leaders who signed an open letter to the candidates inviting them to the discussion, which is to be moderated by Joyce Kulhawik, President of the Boston Theater Critics Association and JoycesChoices.com. 

Matt Wilson, Executive Director of MASSCreative, the organizer of the Create the Vote coalition, offered the following statement in response:

“We were surprised and disappointed to learn of the decision by the Boston Herald, Suffolk University and NECN to hold an event directly conflicting with our debate. Create the Vote’s Mayoral Candidate Forum on Arts, Culture, and Creativity, organized more than two months ago, is set to be a signature event in the campaign, fostering important discussion of the creative sector, which intersects with every facet of city life.

“With more than 325 RSVPs to the event, we know there is great interest among the public for this discussion. Arts and cultural leaders are also anxious to have this conversation. Fifty-six leaders signed an open letter to the candidates inviting them to the Mayoral Candidate Forum on Arts, Culture, and Creativity. And representatives from arts organizations around the city have been participating in our individual sit down interviews with the candidates. 

“The creative sector is vital to the economic health of the region. It is one of the ways Boston can retain young innovators, reduce youth violence, and help students learn. We very much look forward to having this discussion with the candidates.”

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Founded in 2012, MASSCreative works with creative leaders and entrepreneurs, working artists, arts educators, and arts and cultural supporters to empower creative organizations and the public with a powerful voice to advocate for the resources and support necessary to build vibrant and connected communities.