“We applaud New Bedford municipal leaders for creating a dedicated fund for arts and culture, and also applaud Gov. Baker for supporting this measure. New Bedford receives approximately $70,000 annually in state funding for the arts, and dedicating a portion of the city’s hotel tax to an arts, culture, and tourism fund will raise an additional $100,000 for the city’s cultural initiatives. Combining state funding with municipal investment creates the best possible partnership to ensure that local arts and cultural institutions have the resources they need to thrive.

“It is no accident that in 2016, New Bedford saw the sharpest drop in rates of unemployment among urban areas around the country. Incorporating arts and culture into city planning, as New Bedford does, contributes to the health of a city across all sectors from education to community building to the economy. New Bedford is setting a high bar for other Gateway Cities around the Commonwealth.”

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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. MASSCreative has more than 300 arts and cultural member organizations from around the state.