cultural spaces and creative places
Protecting and expanding spaces for the creation, presentation and enjoyment of arts and culture throughout the Commonwealth.
We understand the value that artistic and creative expression and production brings to Massachusetts, but we need to ensure that artists will continue to have the creative making spaces they need to do their work. We also need to make sure that we are stewarding, as well as creating new art anchors as placemakers in our communities.
What are we doing about cultural and creative spaces?
After engaging in a statewide listening series in Fall 2022, MASSCreative gathered feedback from artists, creatives, cultural organizations, advocacy groups, regional planning councils, and changemakers about the policy changes the sector needs to become more equitable, just, and visible. These dialogues and cross-sector alliances are resulting in our 2023-2024 Creative Sector Agenda.
The Creative Sector Agenda includes five bills to keep artists in their communities, make creative spaces more accessible to people with disabilities, and support equity in cultural tourism promotion.
Read more about each of the bills and how to support Massachusetts cultural policies by visiting the MASSCreative Action Network Take Action page.
On November 14th, the House and Senate approved the conference committee’s report on the Mass Leads Act, including the Downtown Vitality Act, live theater tax credit, and reauthorizing $50 million for the Cultural Facilities Fund.
Since its founding in 2013, MASSCreative has worked with advocates across the Commonwealth to build a stronger, more equitable and inclusive creative sector. From local and state elections to increased public funding for creative and cultural work, our organizing efforts have shifted how Massachusetts values our community
Protecting and expanding spaces for the creation, presentation and enjoyment of arts and culture throughout the Commonwealth.
Join a coalition of artists, creatives, arts supporters, and change-makers to educate candidates and voters on the importance of a strong and inclusive creative community in Boston.
On November 15, 2024, the MASSCreative Action Network (MCAN) hosted an election debrief with community organizing and policy experts to learn how 2024 federal and state-level election results will impact the creative sector in Massachusetts. Watch the recording here.
Help get the vote out and play your part for a stronger democracy.
Check out our 2024 Create the Vote General Election Guides to see who is running for US Congress, State Senate, and State House of Representatives in Massachusetts.
Check out our 2024 Create the Vote Election Guides to see who is running for US Congress, State Senate, and State House of Representatives in Massachusetts.
On May 7, the Senate Ways and Means Committee announced their plan to fund the Mass Cultural Council at $25.5 million in FY25. Read for more information about the Senate Ways and Means Budget and take action for the Mass Cultural Council and Downtown Vitality Act.
The Advocacy 301: Do’s and Don’ts training is designed to help participants understand how they can legally engage in advocacy and lobbying to assume stronger roles in civic life.
On April 16th, we welcomed Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington), the new House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development to our Artivist Town Hall. Rep. Garballey shared about his role within the committee, how committee members review and consider bills, and what advocates ought to know to advance their policy issues.
The Advocacy 201 training builds on the foundation of the Advocacy 101 session. In Advocacy 201, we will prepare you to take the lead in organizing your networks and communities. We’ll cover how to turn your network into an advocacy powerhouse, coordinate advocacy meetings with your elected officials, and use your social media platforms to help folks take action on the things you care about most.
On April 2nd, we welcomed Senator Paul Mark (D-Becket), the returning Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development to our Artivist Town Hall. Sen. Mark shared about his role within the committee, how committee members review and consider bills, and what advocates ought to know to advance their policy issues.
Everyone can (and should!) be an advocate. To co-create an arts and culture sector that is more equitable and resilient, we need more people to see themselves as arts advocates and take action. The Advocacy 101 training is about equipping you with the foundational skills you need to advocate for the issues and communities that matter the most to you. This training is designed to prepare you to make the most of Creative Sector Advocacy Week 2025.
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.
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!
