Legislature Overrides Baker's MCC Veto

Great news from the State House: Both the Massachusetts House and Senate overwhelmingly voted to override Governor Charlie Baker’s veto of more than half of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s budget. This unanimous vote in the Senate and a 156-2 vote in the House reversed a 55% cut in the MCC budget, shows bipartisan support, and says loud and clear that arts and culture are worthy of investment as a core state service.

This vote brings the Massachusetts Cultural Council budget back to $14 million and steers clear of devastating cuts to grants and programs.

MASSCreative Endorses Question 5, the Community Preservation Act

At MASSCreative, we believe in building a healthy, vibrant, and equitable Massachusetts.

That’s why we officially endorsed Boston’s Community Preservation Act and are organizing the Boston creative community to support the ballot initiative. 

Question 5, on the ballot for Boston voters this November 8, the Community Preservation Act is an important revenue tool to help Boston build more affordable housing, improve our parks, restore historic and cultural landmarks, and create new jobs. 

Putting Arts Education in the Mix

Over the past two decades, access and participation in arts education in grades K-12 has dropped for many districts across the Commonwealth. Many children do not have the opportunity to learn the important skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity that a quality arts education provides.

Arts education has clearly been dropped to a second tier status.

Changes in federal law under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) direct states to restructure their accountability and assistance systems for schools and districts. This offers Massachusetts an opportunity to include arts education in its new frameworks for what makes a successful school for the 2017-2018 school year.

Cultural Facilities Funds Awarded

Recently, the MassDevelopment Board of Directors approved $9.3 million in grants to 91 Massachusetts institutions to help maintain, repair and rebuild their cultural facilities. These grants, allocated through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, helps preserve many of the state’s cultural treasures — from Pittsfield to Boston. The Cultural Facilities Fund projects impact broader communities by creating vibrant local attractions and stimulating economic activity. Since 2006 the MCC has allocated $91.9 million to 380 cultural organizations through the Cultural Facilities Fund.

Work with MASSCreative

MASSCreative is searching for a Digital Organizer and Operations Manager and Political Director. Visit our website to learn more about the positions and how to apply.

Check out the MASSCreative Annual Report

Last year was a time of growth for MASSCreative. Our Annual Report details the accomplishments from Create the Vote Campaigns to MCC budget victories.

Take a look at the report.

Welcome New Members

Shout out to the organizations that just joined MASSCreative to support arts advocacy in Massachusetts. Thanks for all you do to build healthy, vibrant, and equitable communities through arts and culture.

Please consider joining MASSCreative as a member organization or individual advocate.