BOSTON, July 18, 2017— Statement by MASSCreative Executive Director Matt Wilson on Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of legislative funding for the Mass Cultural Council. The veto, if it is not overridden, will result in a 14 percent cut in the Commonwealth’s investment in arts and culture.

“We are deeply dismayed by Gov. Baker’s veto of funding for the Mass Cultural Council approved by lawmakers. If lawmakers do not override the veto, the state will see its investment in arts and culture shrink to $12 million from the recommended $14 million.

“With federal arts spending under attack from the Trump Administration, many states have recognized the need to strengthen their support for the creative sector. Thirty states have chosen to either increase their investment in the arts or maintain current spending levels even in the face of weak revenues. If this veto stands, Massachusetts would bear the third largest percentage cut to the arts in the nation, behind only Rhode Island and North Carolina.

“In Boston, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $1.4 billion of economic activity during 2015—$763.9 million in spending by arts and cultural organizations and an additional $590.2 million in event-related expenditures by their audiences. This activity supported 45,889 jobs and generated $87.3 million in revenue to local and state governments. This impact is replicated in cities and towns around the state, through projects funded in part by the Mass Cultural Council.

“The potential impact of a 14 percent cut will not be limited to shrinking economics. The Mass Cultural Council funds cultural councils across the state that run arts festivals and concerts that bring people together. It also runs grant programs that expand access to the arts for everyone in the Commonwealth, foster economic growth, and educate our kids. Many of those who benefit the most from Mass Cultural Council programs live in some of our most challenged and under-resourced communities.

“The arts community supports and enriches Massachusetts. We urge lawmakers to override Gov. Baker’s veto of Mass Cultural Council funding and restore its recommendation of $14 million for the Mass Cultural Council in the FY18 Budget.”

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Founded in 2012, MASSCreative works to build a more vibrant, healthy, and equitable Massachusetts. MASSCreative works with artists, leaders, supporters, and partners of the arts, cultural, and creative community to advocate for the resources and support necessary for the sector to thrive. Nearly 400 arts and cultural organizations and working artists from across the Commonwealth are members of MASSCreative.