“As a candidate last year, Charlie Baker pledged to work with the Massachusetts Cultural Council to ensure it received adequate funding to carry out its mission. Gov. Baker’s recommendation to fund the state’s investment in arts and culture in FY16 at $11.8 million doesn’t provide the resources that the community needs to build a more vibrant and connected Massachusetts. Over the past 25 years, the Commonwealth’s investment in the creative community has declined nearly 60 percent. This recommendation represents an additional 2 percent cut from the $12 million budgeted for the Massachusetts Cultural Council in FY2015.

“The creative community recently delivered a petition to the governor signed by 3,000 artists, leaders, and citizens that requests an increase in the state’s investment in the arts. Here in Massachusetts, the creative community makes vital contributions to the economic development of Gateway Cities; the educational achievement of all students; and efforts to build stronger communities.

“Massachusetts is home to large-scale museums, theaters, and orchestras that enjoy international reputations, as well as numerous community-based playhouses and art centers that drive our economy. We urge lawmakers to support a $15 million investment in the arts, which is necessary to ensure that arts institutions and local cultural councils across the Commonwealth can provide the diverse array of cultural activities that help the downtowns of our cities be more attractive to residents and visitors alike; promotes educational programming that helps students of all abilities to excel across all academic disciplines; and builds more vibrant, connected communities.” 

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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.