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.

Maintaining and increasing public investment in the creative community requires constant and broad grassroots activism throughout the annual budget process.

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.

In May 2024, Daniel Deutsch published a comprehensive cultural blueprint for the Pioneer Valley with recommendations for nurturing the arts ecosystem in Western Massachusetts. Continue reading for Daniel’s findings and report.

Building relationships with elected officials and their staff is crucial to every advocate's work. Take a moment to learn who represents you on Capital Hill and at the State House.

An important part of the governing process is public hearings. These occur on all levels of government (Federal, State, and Local). Understanding the hearing process and how you can participate will make you a more effective advocate for a more equitable and inclusive creative sector.

How a local creative community secured city funding for their local cultural council.