IN THE NEWS: CULTURAL EQUITY IN TOURISM BILL PRESS CONFERENCE
CHICOPEE (7/18/23) - On Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, the MASSCreative Action Network co-hosted a joint press conference with Sen. Jake Oliveira, Rep. Pat Duffy, and The Polish Center of Discovery and Learning in Chicopee on H.3244/S.2194, An Act creating a program to increase cultural equity in tourism promotion. Referred to as the “Cultural Equity in Tourism Bill,” it would establish a grant program within the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to support tourism marketing and promotional expenses and prioritize amplifying the stories of historically marginalized or underrepresented cultures to increase equity in tourism for arts and cultural organizations.
During the press conference, MASSCreative Executive Director Emily Ruddock thanked Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Duffy for their leadership on this issue and highlighted how the legislation would support hidden artistic gems that tell the stories of Massachusetts’ diverse communities.
“Many of our cultural assets can’t effectively market themselves to regional and national visitors because they don’t have the marketing or promotional resources, leaving them at a disadvantage. The Cultural Equity in Tourism Bill addresses this problem by directly supporting the marketing needs of these cultural groups.”
Sen. Oliveira went on to emphasize how the bill would also have a positive economic impact across Massachusetts.
“One of six jobs is tied to the creative economy here in Western Massachusetts. Before the pandemic, tourism was the third-largest industry in Massachusetts. Let’s make sure we prioritize regional and cultural equity as we continue to work our way back and better than ever. We now have an opportunity with this bill that’s before the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development (Oliveira is the Senate Vice Chair) to promote regional equity and cultural and artistic experiences. By increasing local and regional tourism to more culturally diverse spaces and events, Massachusetts can support economic vitality for everyone.”
Rep. Duffy localized the importance of the legislation by highlighting the growth of cultural events she observed in her district and underscored how additional funding will support communities.
“Holyoke can give us an example of how improving our reach statewide into more diverse cultures can really promote economic growth and cultural growth for everybody. ”
Additional speakers included Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Michelle Murphy (Vice President of Development and Marketing at the Springfield Museums), and Joanne Gruszkos (Chair of the Board at The Polish Center for Discovery and Learning), who all gave their support for the legislation.
Sen. Oliveira shared that if there are no objections to this bill, it could be extended and passed in an informal session as the Legislature heads into the Fall of 2025.
Visit our 2023-2024 Legislative Agenda page for additional information about the Cultural Equity in Tourism Bill and the MASSCreative Action Network’s policy priorities.
Sign up your organization to endorse the bill and read about other ways to advocate by visiting our How You Can Support the Cultural Equity in Tourism Bill page.
MEDIA HITS:
Bill proposed to promote arts and culture of underserved groups in state (MassLive)
Western Massachusetts lawmakers push for more equity in tourism (New England Public Media)
Oliveira, Duffy sponsor Cultural Equity in Tourism bill (The Reminder)
