BOSTON, April 17, 2015—MASSCreative announced today that a majority of state representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of an amendment filed by Rep. Cory Atkins (D-Concord), chairwoman of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. The amendment would increase funding for the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) to $15 million in the final House budget. A total of 87 state representatives (79 Democrats and nine Republicans, including House Minority Leader Brad Jones of North Reading), signed amendment #774.

On April 15, the House Ways and Means Committee released a proposed budget for the House of Representatives that would cut the state’s investment in arts and culture by 16 percent from the $12 million allocated in FY2015 to $10 million for FY2016.

“This recommendation by the House Ways and Means Committee doesn’t provide the resources that the community needs to maintain the impact that arts and culture have made in education and economic development, much less to continue building a more vibrant and connected Massachusetts,” said MASSCreative Executive Director Matt Wilson. “The creative community in Massachusetts makes vital contributions to the economic development of Gateway Cities; the educational achievement of all students; and efforts to build stronger communities. Core to the success of this cultural impact is public investment in arts and culture through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. We are grateful for the leadership shown by Rep. Atkins and for all of the state reps who have signed on to her amendment.”

In the last 25 years, the Commonwealth’s investment in the creative community has declined nearly 60 percent. Twenty-five years ago, the state invested $27 million in the creative community; 10 years ago that investment was $19 million. Today, it stands at $12 million and the House Ways and Means proposal would cut it to $10 million.

MASSCreative and cultural leaders around the state have been meeting with lawmakers in their district to talk about the impact that art has on local economic development, education, and communities. MASSCreative will continue this work, and will continue to encourage its members statewide to urge their Representatives to support this amendment.

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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.