IN THE NEWS: ACE ACT Hearing
On Tuesday, October 10, 2023 advocates from the creative sector and disability community testified in support of H.151/S.113, An Act improving accessibility in the creative economy, referred to as the “ACE Act”. MASSCreative’s Executive Director, Emily Ruddock, was joined by Nicole Agois, Managing Director of Open Door Arts, and Christopher Robinson, Co-Founder of Think Outside the Vox to present leading advocate testimony supporting the Ace Act.
MEDIA HITS:
Bill Aims To Make Arts More Accessible (State House News Service)
Bill Aims to Make Arts More Accessible, Inclusive (Newburyport News/The Daily News)
Bill Aims To Make Arts More Accessible For Those With Disabilities (WBZ News Radio 1030)
Arts institutions back bill to expand access to people with disabilities (MassNonprofit News)
Bill aims to make arts more accessible, inclusive (Athol Daily News)
Emily Ruddock, MASSCreative’s executive director, shares updates about some of our grassroots organizing and legislative achievements in 2024 and a glimpse of what we are preparing for 2025.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, MASSCreative welcomed 11 individuals into the 2024-2025 Advocacy & Organizing Fellowship during an in-person orientation at the Worcester Public Library.
Read Richeline's blog about attending the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. and how artists can play a role in strengthening communities and democracy.
Three months into the new year, the Massachusetts creative sector is celebrating significant policy milestones through the Creative Sector Legislative Agenda, Economic Development Bond Bill, and FY25 Budget.
It’s been an eventful and exciting year! In this letter, Emily shares her thoughts on our accomplishments in 2023 and things we’re looking ahead to in 2024.
Meet our 2023-2024 Advocacy and Organizing Fellows!
In March, we welcomed Kendra Patterson and Jessica Troe from the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center for a presentation on the state's annual budgeting process and where to direct your advocacy.
Maintaining and increasing public investment in the creative community requires constant and broad grassroots activism throughout the annual budget process.
On Monday, January 27th, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget sent a memo to all federal agencies ordering the immediate freeze of all federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance funds. Learn more about what this means and what you can do.
In January, we welcomed organizers from the Berkshire/Columbia Counties Pay Equity Coalition to discuss their work to bridge wage disparities for entry—and mid-level employees at cultural organizations in Berkshire and Columbia Counties.
In December, we welcomed staff from the Massachusetts Health Connector to discuss open enrollment and navigating Massachusetts' health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment ends on January 23, 2025.
MASSCreative’s Artivist Town Hall is a monthly webinar that connects artists and creatives with resources, training, and expert insights to support them in their creative practices and activism. This month, we welcomed Joyce Linehan and Erin O’Brien for a panel discussion about how public and cultural policies are written, how we create momentum to carry legislation, and how policies impact creative communities.
