10/16/23 - CULTURAL EQUITY IN TOURISM GRANT HEARING
Sculptor works on project imitating a head. Other features are decorative.
BOSTON (10/16/23) - On Monday, October 16th, 2023 at 10 AM, the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development is holding a hybrid hearing at the State House in Room A-1 covering tourism marketing, statewide laureates, and special events.
One of the bills scheduled for a hearing on Monday is the Cultural Equity in Tourism Grant.
The Cultural Equity in Tourism Grant (H.3244/S.2194) would increase local and regional tourism to more culturally diverse events and spaces in order to support economic vitality for the whole Commonwealth. It would establish a grant program within the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to support tourism marketing and promotional expenses for arts and cultural organizations. The grant program would prioritize amplifying the stories of historically marginalized or underrepresented cultures.
SIGN UP TO TESTIFY!
One of the best things you can do to support this bill is to testify in person or virtually on October 16th. Both in-person and virtual attendees must register to testify by Friday, October 13th at 10 AM. Attendees testifying virtually will be emailed a link the day before the hearing to join via Microsoft Teams.
Written testimony can be submitted to the committee via email with the subject line “Written Testimony - TACD 10/16/23.” This can be sent to Derek.Dunlea@mahouse.gov and Gabrielle.Hanson@masenate.gov.
Other Things to Consider When Testifying:
Individuals testifying orally will have 3 minutes to speak. Those who will be testifying on more than one bill must adhere to the 3 minute time limit as well.
If you miss the deadline to pre-register to testify, you may attend the hearing in person and sign up to speak on forms provided by committee staff. Individuals on this list will be called upon only after all pre-registered individuals have testified, time permitting.
Individuals who would like to attend as a part of the panel must also fill out the pre-registration form mentioned above. Contact Derek.Dunlea@mahouse.gov with any questions.
ADA Accommodations:
ADA accommodations shall be approved and requests must be submitted before Wednesday, October 11th at 10 AM. Requests should be made via email to Derek.Dunlea@mahouse.gov.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
Our team has put together a suite of resources to help you share your support for the Cultural Equity in Tourism Grant. Here’s a quick list:
Click here for social media templates for the Cultural Equity in Tourism Grant
Click here for the Cultural Equity in Tourism Grant fact sheet
Click here for the Cultural Equity in Tourism Grant call and email scripts
MASSCreative also put together a guide to help you feel confident in preparing for the hearing and testifying. You can find the guide HERE.
Have questions on whether your nonprofit organization can advocate on bills? We have a guide for that, too! You can find the guide for Nonprofit Organizations & Advocacy HERE.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU SUPPORT THE CULTURAL
EQUITY IN TOURISM GRANT?
Here are a few other ways you can support the Cultural Equity in Tourism Grant:
You can endorse this Act and add your name to the growing list of supporting organizations and individuals! You can find the endorsement form for the entire Creative Sector Agenda on our Take Action page.
Make sure to submit written testimony to the Committee!
Contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to co-sponsor H.3244/S.2194. You can find your elected officials HERE.
Spread the word! Let others know this hearing is happening and encourage them to share with their networks, sign up to testify, send written testimony, and talk with their legislators.
