The Creative Sector Summit is an annual statewide convening presented by and for the Massachusetts creative sector to increase cultural policy leadership and coalition building. The Summit features insightful conversations and workshops to strengthen the impact of the sector and work towards a more inclusive and equitable creative ecosystem for all residents of Massachusetts.

The Summit location changes each year to celebrate the vibrancy of the sector in regions across the Commonwealth. The 2026 Creative Sector Summit is scheduled to take place in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

If you are a member of the arts and cultural community and ready to work across regions, issues, and sectors to build stronger coalitions, solidarity, and political power, this Summit is for you!

We welcome artists, creatives, cultural organizations, creative small business owners, civic and community leaders and arts and cultural supporters.

Location:

Zeiterion

684 Purchase Street

New Bedford, MA 02740

The 2026 Creative Sector Summit will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Breakfast and networking will begin at 9:30 AM, with the formal program beginning at 10:30 AM. The Summit will conclude at 5:30 PM.

The Summit will feature a dynamic mix of expert panels, policy discussions, workshops, and case studies designed to support artists in their advocacy, strengthen cultural policy, and deepen civic engagement. Attendees can explore four optional learning tracks to guide their experience or choose sessions freely based on their interests.

We’re also offering a select number of hybrid workshops for those joining virtually. Read about this year's sessions and schedule here.

We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier. See the complete list of participating organizations offering  EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts. 

EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders are eligible to receive free admission to the Creative Sector Summit while supplies last. This discount is limited to one ticket per person, on a first-come/first-serve basis. To register, please email info@mass-creative.org with the subject line "Card to Culture - 2026 Summit Ticket" to request the registration link with the applied discount.

Help us design the program for the 2026 Summit by joining the host committee. Fill out the form linked here to register your interest, and we’ll follow up.

Thank you to Amy Desrosiers, Annelise Conway, Anthi Frangiadis, Ashley Occhino, Catherine Peterson, Emma York, Explore New Bedford, Heather Martin, Joseph Holdiman, Lolan Sevilla, Margo Saulnier, Meegs Lund, Michael Pietragalla, Mocha Herrup, New Bedford Creative, SouthCoast Community Foundation, Stephanie Zurek, and Zita Echere for participating in the host committee.

If you are interested in supporting the 2026 Summit, you can learn more about sponsorship opportunities in this packet.

Please contact info@mass-creative.org with any questions.

The Creative Sector Summit is possible thanks to support from participants and sponsors. We are pleased to work with event partner 8 Stratton Events to plan this year’s Summit.

Thank you to MassDevelopment. Massachusetts Health Connector, New Bedford Creative, The New Bedford Light, O’Neill and Associates, Portugalia Marketplace, Servedwell Hospitality, SouthCoast Community Foundation, UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Women’s Fund SouthCoast for sponsoring the 2026 Summit!