CREATIVE SECTOR SUMMIT
ART, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY AS CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE
New Bedford, MA
Friday, June 12, 2026
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 panels, workshops, and policy conversations to promote statewide coalition building of arts and culture advocates and inspire further community organizing within Massachusetts’ creative community.
GET TICKETS FOR THE 2026 SUMMIT
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FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026
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NEW BEDFORD, MA
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GET TICKETS FOR THE 2026 SUMMIT | FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026 | NEW BEDFORD, MA |
GET TICKETS FOR THE 2026 SUMMIT
The 2026 Creative Sector Summit is coming to the Zeiterion in New Bedford, MA on Friday, June 12, 2026. The theme of this year’s Summit is “Art, Culture and Creativity as Civic Infrastructure.” The Summit will include four tracks of workshops and sessions to choose from: Creative Placekeeping and Public Art; Creative Economy and Workforce Development; Arts, Humanities, and Civic Health; and Cross-Sector Integration. We are excited to work with local partners such as Explore New Bedford, New Bedford Creative, SouthCoast Community Foundation, and the Zeiterion to invite advocates across the state to enjoy the rich arts and cultural scene along the South Coast. Extend your visit by joining us on Thursday for AHA! Night, which celebrates the vibrant creativity that’s local to New Bedford.
Tickets for the Summit are now available for purchase. Early bird pricing is available through April 24th - get your discounted tickets today while supplies last!
MASSCreative donors and MASSCreative Action Network members should contact info@mass-creative.org to reserve tickets at a discounted rate.
SUMMIT FAQS
Art-making at the 2025 Summit.
Photography by Steph Craig Studios.
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We’re seeking session proposals that support one or more of the following Summit tracks and relate back to the conference theme of “Art, Culture and Creativity as Civic Infrastructure.” The four learning tracks are:
Creative Placekeeping and Public Art
Creative Economy and Workforce Development
Arts, Humanities, and Civic Health
Cross-Sector Integration
Sessions may be structured as case studies and deep dives; expert panels; participatory art making and creative engagement; policy conversations; or workshops and technical assistance.
All sessions are scheduled to run for 60 minutes. All selected session leaders will receive stipends for their work and complimentary Summit tickets.
Proposals are due by Friday, April 10th at 11:59 PM.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MASSCreative has partnered with Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites New Bedford to provide a limited hotel block for Thursday, June 11th. Stay in New Bedford on Thursday to enjoy AHA! Night and other cultural offerings in the city.
Rates for rooms are $229 per night. The hotel block will end on Monday, April 27, 2026.
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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.
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The Creative Sector Summit is possible thanks to support from participants and sponsors.
Please contact info@mass-creative.org with any questions.
Thank you to Massachusetts Health Connector, New Bedford Creative, O’Neill and Associates, Servedwell Hospitality, SouthCoast Community Foundation, and the UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts for sponsoring the 2026 Summit!