BOSTON, January 17, 2014 -- MASSCreative delivered over 3,000 signatures today to Governor Patrick's office at the State House, asking him to increase state investment in the arts, cultural, and creative community by $5 million. Delivered a week before Governor Patrick is expected to release his last budget as Massachusetts governor, the public comments call on him to provide the resources and support needed to build more connected communities and a vibrant, thriving economy across the Commonwealth.
"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," said Matt Wilson, executive director of MASSCreative. "These institutions would not exist without the robust and enthusiastic support of Massachusetts residents who routinely sell out performances and flock to cultural venues."
The impact of the Commonwealth's investment in the creative community is clear. 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. The downtowns of many of our Gateway Cities are vibrant because art galleries, performing arts centers, and music venues bring residents together and generate economic activity. The Massachusetts Cultural Data Project reports that in 2010 the leading nonprofit arts, science, and history organizations in Massachusetts served nearly four million children through education programs, and provided more than nine million free admissions to the public.
Yet over the past 25 years, the Commonwealth’s investment in the creative community has declined nearly 60%. Twenty-five years ago, the Commonwealth invested $26 million in the creative community; ten years ago that investment was $19 million. Today, the MCC budget stands at $11.1 million.
"A $5 million increase will begin to restore the MCC budget back to where it was a decade ago and bring more resources to the hundreds of arts and cultural organizations that bring our communities together, spur economic activity, and create places where we all want to live, work, play, and visit," added Matt Wilson.
The budget Governor Patrick signed into law last year included a 17% increase to the Massachusetts Cultural Council budget. Last November, he tripled the state's allocation to the Cultural Facilities Fund. Both moves have set the stage for a final gesture to leave a lasting arts legacy for the state.
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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.
