BOSTON, April 11, 2018— Statement by MASSCreative Executive Director Matt Wilson on House Ways & Means Committee Recommended Funding of the Mass Cultural Council in State Budget:
“The House Ways and Means Committee proposed funding the Mass Cultural Council at just under $14 million, matching last year’s funding level. It’s a good start, but it’s not enough. Given that art, culture, and creativity is an economic driver and community building block in municipalities across the state, we will continue to support a $3 million increased investment in the Mass Cultural Council.
“Nonprofit arts organizations contribute significantly to the economy, generating more than $2.2 billion in economic activity in 2015 alone. Art, culture, and creativity also contribute in other ways by building more vibrant, equitable and connected communities. Arts education benefits learners of all ages and across varying fields of study. Art-based therapy improves health and resiliency in people recovering from addiction or suffering from memory impairment and military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“None of these benefits occur incidentally. They come only by deliberately choosing to invest in arts education and field trips to museums, theatrical productions and musical performances. They happen when we fund local cultural councils that provide free opportunities for arts and cultural events and programs to all members of their communities. They happen when we nurture the development of the Commonwealth’s vast and diverse community of artists, who are driving the reinvigoration of the state’s gateway cities including Lynn, New Bedford and Springfield, and often through projects funded by Mass Cultural Council.
“We urge lawmakers to show their support for all of the benefits accrued by cultural and creative endeavors in our communities by signing State Representative Cory Atkins’ Mass Cultural Council amendment, calling for a $3 million increased investment in the arts for a total appropriation of $17 million. This will ensure that the Mass Cultural Council can carry out its work of promoting excellence, inclusion, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and sciences in our Commonwealth. All of this is what makes our cities and towns more attractive to residents and visitors alike and assists in building; more vibrant, connected and equitable communities.”
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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.
