In the Boston Globe opinion column, Jon Garelick calls for a new Boston Schools Superintendent who is well versed in the arts:

"The arts were a big part of Walsh’s campaign. His closest campaign adviser, Joyce Linehan, who comes from an arts background as both a publicist and music industry professional, is now his chief of policy. This point of view is promising. But what’s important now is that Walsh and his administration maintain the courage of their convictions. As Walsh has reiterated, the arts are crucial to the health of the city. As such, they’re also crucial to the health of the city’s schoolchildren."

  Last month, Mayor Walsh announced that Joyce Linehan will be his Chief Policy Advisor, giving the arts community a reason to cheer. We discuss the potential of this appointment on the Create the Vote blog:

What’s unique about Linehan is her combination of deep roots in Boston’s arts community, its independent music scene and her grassroots political skills and political connections. This is a woman who founded a successful media consultancy that specializes in the arts, an indie record label and ran an artist management company for 10 years. She logged 13 years as the public relations director for First Night Boston and six directing communications for Boston Landmarks Orchestra. She had a gig as a talent scout with Sub Pop records, the Seattle-based record company that unleashed Nirvana on the world. Eddie Vedder, Courtney Love and Riot Grrl icons Bikini Kill have reportedly been house guests. Oh, and she effectively launched Elizabeth Warren’s Senate campaign from her living room and is the go-to gal for scads of candidates looking to connect with Boston’s progressive grassroots, including Gov. Deval Patrick.

  The Boston-based arts blog, Big Red & Shiny, recently interviewed Matt Wilson for its Boston Common series, asking him about MASSCreative’s work and initiatives in 2014. Read the interview over at Big Red & Shiny. 

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