December 10, 2014—MASSCreative today praised Gov. Deval Patrick’s announcement that he is establishing by executive order a Massachusetts Percent for Public Art program. 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.
“This is a tremendous show of confidence in the value that arts and culture already bring to the Commonwealth,” said Matt Wilson, Executive Director of MASSCreative. “By directing funds to Boston and Gateway cities throughout the state, this program will spur economic development even as it supports public art that beautifies our downtowns and brings people together.”
Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Massachusetts support more than 45,000 jobs, spend $2.1 billion annually, and generate another $2.5 billion of economic activity. This economic activity includes payment of mortgages, rents, utilities, groceries, and other common expenses by employees and contractors of arts and cultural organizations.
Every dollar spent by an arts and cultural organization generates $2.30 in sales for nearby businesses. This includes the costs of art production to printers, builders, maintenance and repair vendors, fuel suppliers, banks, insurance agents, advertising agencies, electricity, heating oil, and telephone companies, as well as state and local governments.
In the Gateway city of Pittsfield, nonprofit arts and cultural organizations spent more than $12 million in FY 2010 and generated the same amount in economic activity. They supported nearly 800 jobs, paying over $14 million in household income to residents. They generated more than $1 million each to state and local government.
The preservation, curation, and creation of public art is a vital component of this activity. The Executive Order will also create a 10-member Public Art Commission to oversee the program and to coordinate with local arts councils.
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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.
