Addressing Citywide Issues: Just as any other major city, Boston faces many economic and social issues. Can you provide examples on how you would integrate the arts, culture, and creative community in solving social problems? How would you use our community to drive economic development in the city?

The arts and the creative community of Boston offer countless opportunities to inspire and engage our residents in addressing the range of economic and social challenges facing our city. The creative industry offers pathways for economic prosperity for diverse residents of Boston, as well as provides outlets for creative solutions to issues like public safety and education. As Mayor, I will implement a strong Arts and Cultural Agenda that supports the arts and helps creative economy thrive and empowers the creative community to have a greater role in addressing pressing issues we face as a city. 

A smart, focused plan for the creative community will leverage Boston’s rich ecosystem of arts groups, non-profits, institutions, and schools to bring expanded programming into Boston Public Schools, neighborhoods, and parks to provide positive outlets and pathways for our young people, both in and out of school. I will bring art into all of our schools as well as introduce young people to career paths in the creative industries. I will strengthen programs like the Mayor’s Mural Crew program to empower young people to make positive contributions to their neighborhoods. Additionally, by supporting the growth of businesses in the creative industry Boston can create jobs and opportunities that spans across the neighborhoods of Boston helping bring further economic development to the city through the arts.

From Boston.com article "Meet the Mayoral Candidates: What's your favorite piece of public art in Boston?"

Mike Ross at our Create the Vote kickoff event. His sign reads: I am an Arts Voter because "I'm also an artist and believe in arts power to transform and create jobs".