On November 3, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its version of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending plan. The $3.67 billion proposal sets aside $75 million for restoration and support of arts and cultural organizations. 

This is $50 million less than the House version and excludes individual artists and creative workers from receiving support.  

This amount is deeply disappointing. Arts and cultural organizations were the first to shut down in March, 2020 and many of them have yet to fully reopen. Artists who lost gigs and personal income - nearly overnight - continue to struggle as cultural organizations have reduced staff and limited live performances. 

Take Action in Support of Increased and Equitable Arts and Cultural Recovery

The entire arts and cultural sector - including artists, nonprofit cultural organizations and independent for-profit arts businesses need support to stabilize operations.

Before the pandemic, the arts and cultural sector generated over $25.5 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy and supported 142,578 jobs resulting in $13.6 billion in total compensation. Artists and cultural organizations create opportunities for individuals to connect to their neighbors and themselves, resulting in stronger communities across the Commonwealth. We serve the public, our work is a public good, and we need public investment.

Thankfully, State Senator Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell), Chair of the Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Committee filed Amendment #49, which would increase the Senate allocation to $200 million and ensure individual artists and creative workers are eligible for assistance. 

Chair Kennedy has been a consistent champion for the arts and cultural economy. Earlier this year he filed S.2246, An Act rebuilding the Commonwealth’s cultural future. The bill received the support of 60 co-sponsors from both the House and Senate. Senator Kennedy’s Amendment #49 matches the intent of S.2246 by allocating $200 million of ARPA funds to creative sector recovery and ensuring the entire arts and cultural ecosystem is eligible for assistance. 

We need to share our support with the Senate for the arts and cultural community’s equitable recovery.  Urge your State Senator to co-sponsor the Amendment today.

Co-Sponsors of Amendment #49 to S.2564 An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery needs.
Sponsored by State Senator Edward J. Kennedy (D-Lowell)

As of Tuesday November 10, 2021 at 9:25 am
20 Co-Sponsors (50% of Senate)