BOSTON, April 11, 2014—MASSCreative announces today that a majority of state representatives have signed on as sponsors of an amendment filed by Rep. Cory Atkins (D-Concord), chairwoman of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. The amendment would reverse a proposed 54% cut and increase funding for the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) to $16 million in the final House budget. A total of 103 state representatives out of 155 current members of the House signed the amendment #357.

On April 9, the House Ways and Means Committee released a proposed budget for the House of Representatives that would cut the state’s investment in arts and culture by more than half from $11.1 million to $5 million. Arts and cultural leaders around the state took to the phones and social media to express their anger and disappointment in the proposed allocation. A storify by MASSCreative captures the reaction on Facebook and Twitter.

“Massachusetts is home to large-scale museums, theaters, and orchestras, as well as numerous community-based playhouses and art centers that drive our economy, enhance the academic performance of our students, and build vibrant, connected communities,” said MASSCreative Executive Director Matt Wilson. “Core to the success of these cultural institutions is public investment in the arts through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The budget proposed by the House Ways and Means Committee is a step backwards. We are grateful for the leadership shown by Rep. Atkins and for all of the state reps who have signed onto her amendment.”

In the last 25 years, the Commonwealth’s investment in the creative community has declined nearly 60 percent. Twenty-five years ago, the state invested $27 million in the creative community; 10 years ago that investment was $19 million. Today, it stands at $11.1 million and the House Ways and Means proposal would cut it to $5 million.

MASSCreative and cultural leaders around the state have been meeting with lawmakers in their district to talk about the impact that art has on local economic development, education, and communities. MASSCreative will continue this work, and will continue to encourage its members statewide to urge their Representatives to support this amendment. 

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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.