Massachusetts Public Art Program Passed in Massachusetts Senate

As part of the FY18 budget, the Massachusetts Senate passed the Massachusetts Public Art Program (MPAP) legislation that would create a fund to invest in public art and design on state property.

Modeled after the nation’s first public art program in Hawaii, it would designate 1% of the total state money allocated capital money for building and construction and designate it for public art projects. 

The proposal was developed by MASSCreative’s Creative Placemaking Task Force which included Senator Eric Lesser, Representatives Cory Atkins and Christopher Walsh, and members of the artistic, community development, and design communities.  

Disappointedly, the House did not pass the bill in its budget and now MPAP goes to the Tourism and Cultural Development Committee where it will be heard at a public hearing on October 31.  MASSCreative will be testifying in support and reaching out to working artists and community groups to testify on the importance of public art for our neighborhoods. 

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