CREATIVE SECTOR SUMMIT

Learning, organizing, and realizing a creative Massachusetts for all.

Common Wealth Murals. Photography by Steph Craig Studios.

The Creative Sector Summit is an annual convening of cultural thought leaders, artists, creatives, policy advocates, educators, culture bearers, arts administrators, teaching artists,

and public officials.

The Summit features insightful cross-sector panel conversations and an inspiring keynote address to invest in our statewide coalition of arts and culture leaders, teach applicable community organizing skills, and to scale the good work that creative communities are already doing across the Commonwealth.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2026 SUMMIT

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FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026

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NEW BEDFORD, MA

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2026 SUMMIT | FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026 | NEW BEDFORD, MA |

save the date for THE 2026 SUMMIT

Friday, JUNE 12, 2026

At the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, MA

Watch the launch video, created by filmmaker Ethan de Aguiar:

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 Creative Sector Summit is coming to the SouthCoast. MASSCreative is committed to highlighting different regions of the Commonwealth and their rich arts and culture ecosystems through the Summit. So far, we have held annual convenings in Lowell and Northampton.

The Summit in New Bedford will coincide with AHA! Night, celebrating New Bedford’s vibrant downtown corridor by harnessing the power of arts and culture.

Help us design the 2026 Summit by joining MASSCreative, New Bedford Creative, and Explore New Bedford on the host committee. Contact us at info@mass-creative.org to sign up.

LEARN MORE

  • 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 towards a more inclusive and equitable creative sector for all residents. The convening will feature insightful conversations and workshops to strengthen the impact of the creative and cultural sector across the Commonwealth.

  • 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.

  • The 2026 Creative Sector Summit will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

  • Help us design the programming and layout of the next Summit by joining the host committee. Contact us at info@mass-creative.org to let us know you’re interested.

  • The Creative Sector Summit is possible thanks to support from participants and sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2026 Creative Sector Summit, please contact info@mass-creative.org for more information.

  • If you are interested in volunteering at the 2026 Creative Sector Summit, please contact us at info@mass-creative.org and we will reach out.


    All volunteers are eligible for complimentary tickets to the Summit.