"Good for artists, good for business, good for communities"

In the waning days of his administration, Governor Deval Patrick made a bold show of support for the arts community this week by signing a public art commission into law. Under the Executive Order, a minimum of .5% of the costs of construction and renovation of state-owned property in Boston and Gateway Cities will be dedicated to the preservation of and creation of public art.    

These direct sources of funding will help spur economic development and build a sense of community in our downtowns and cultural districts. As Gov. Patrick puts it: “Good for artists, good for businesses, good for communities.”  

MASSCreative Board Member Erin Williams, Worcester’s Cultural Development Officer, was a member of a 12 member statewide task force that developed the program for the new Public Art Commission.