CULTURAL SPACES And Creative PLaces
Protecting and expanding spaces for the creation, presentation and enjoyment of arts and culture throughout the Commonwealth.
We understand the value that artistic and creative expression and production brings to Massachusetts, but we need to ensure that artists will continue to have the creative making spaces they need to do their work. We also need to make sure that we are stewarding, as well as creating new art anchors as placemakers in our communities.
What are we doing about cultural and creative spaces?
After engaging in a statewide listening series in Fall 2022, MASSCreative gathered feedback from artists, creatives, cultural organizations, advocacy groups, regional planning councils, and changemakers about the policy changes the sector needs to become more equitable, just, and visible. These dialogues and cross-sector alliances are resulting in our 2023-2024 Creative Sector Agenda.
The Creative Sector Agenda includes five bills to keep artists in their communities, make creative spaces more accessible to people with disabilities, and support equity in cultural tourism promotion.
Read more about each of the bills and how to support Massachusetts cultural policies by visiting the MASSCreative Action Network Take Action page.
A hearing for The Creative Space Preservation Act is set for Monday September 18 - learn how to join advocacy leaders in supporting this crucial bill.
A hearing for The PLACE Act is set for Monday, September 18 - learn how to join advocacy leaders in supporting this crucial bill.
Support the Downtown Vitality Act by endorsing the legislation, encouraging your elected officials to co-sponsor, and sharing with your networks.
Join a coalition of artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and sector allies to advocate for the PLACE Act.
Learn more on how you can join a coalition of artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and sector allies to advocate for the ACE Act.
MASSCreative Action Network is building a coalition of artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and sector allies to advocate for the Cultural Equity in Tourism Bill - learn how you can join.
During this month's webinar, we reviewed the FY25 House Ways and Means Budget, the state budget process, and the federal STAGES Act and CREATE Art Act. We also provided updates about our inaugural Creative Advocacy Institute happening on May 17th in Lowell, as well as this year's Create the Vote campaign season.
Read Catherine Headen’s blog on her reflection as a 2023-2024 Advocacy and Organizing Fellow and her work supporting creative volunteers.
On Friday, March 8, 2024, MASSCreative used their monthly Policy & Advocacy Webinar to provide a federal funding update, review the Governor’s Economic Development Bond Bill, give a status update on the Creative Sector Legislative Agenda, and preview the FY25 State Budget. Read the blog to watch the recording and download the slideshow.
Three months into the new year, the Massachusetts creative sector is celebrating significant policy milestones through the Creative Sector Legislative Agenda, Economic Development Bond Bill, and FY25 Budget.
It’s been an eventful and exciting year! In this letter, Emily shares her thoughts on our accomplishments in 2023 and things we’re looking ahead to in 2024.
Meet our 2023-2024 Advocacy & Organizing Fellows!
In November 2023, we held a town hall on the Downtown Vitality Act and the Co-Creative Center New Bedford.
Join us for a Town Hall on the Downtown Vitality Act on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 4 PM in New Bedford.
Four Massachusetts communities were featured in the National Center for Arts Research released the Arts Vibrancy Index Report for 2022.
