October 29, 2014—MASSCreative announced today that leaders and supporters of arts and culture on Cape Cod and the South Shore met with state Rep. Vinny DeMacedo, who is seeking election to the state senate to represent the Plymouth and Barnstable District. They discussed the candidate’s views on state investment in the arts, and efforts to include more arts instruction in public education.
DeMacedo noted that tourism, arts and culture has a major economic impact in the district, citing popular iconic cultural and historical attractions such as Plimoth Plantation. He said he was excited about the potential impact on the district in 2020 of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival. He also noted that he is committed to funding those sectors of the arts, cultural, and creative economies that can show a return on investment. DeMacedo also passionately described the work that he has done with Youth Development and said that the arts can be an effective tool in combating the growing threat from drug addiction with at-risk youth.
Arts and community leaders including Eve Montague of the South Shore Conservatory; Mark Schmidt of the Falmouth Historical Society; Judy Day from Arts Falmouth; Stephanie Weaver of the Cape Conservatory; and Suzy Bergmann of the Falmouth Arts Center. Peter Franklin, the new Executive Director of Highfield Hall, hosted the meeting at Highfield Hall and Gardens on Tuesday, October 28.
“Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Massachusetts support more than 45,000 jobs, spend $2.1 billion annually, and generate another $2.5 billion of economic activity,” said Matt Wilson, Executive Director of MASSCreative. “We see the impact of the arts locally on the Cape and the South Shore through the work of the local cultural councils, which make the arts accessible to young children, students, families, and older adults. They also help support working artists. We look forward to working with lawmakers in the next legislative session to ensure that the Commonwealth is getting the most out of its investment in the arts.”
MASSCreative is meeting with candidates through the Create the Vote Coalition—a collaboration of Massachusetts arts, cultural, and creative institutions convened by MASSCreative. The Create the Vote Coalition is also asking candidates for governor and state legislative office to fill out an arts questionnaire.
On July 15, the Coalition hosted the historic Gubernatorial Forum on Arts, Culture, and Creativity, the first-ever gubernatorial debate about arts and culture. The Forum was held at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester and attended by 500 artists, cultural leaders, and members of the public. Candidates Don Berwick, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Evan Falchuk, Mark Fisher, Treasurer Steve Grossman, and Jeff McCormick answered questions from moderator Joyce Kulhawik and arts leaders from around the state. A video of the Forum is available here.
###
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.
