The Cultural Fabric Of Gateway Cities
MALC supports the revitalization of former industrial centers throughout the state. These “Gateway Cities” have existing artists communities that are integral parts of our cultural workforce. MALC has consistently focused on the state’s work in these cities:
http://artistsunderthedome.org/malc/news/massinc-launches-gateway-cities-innovation-institute/
We highlighted the Gateway Cities in our “2014 Governor’s Race Ask List” policy paper:
k. Ensure that the Gateway Cities initiatives integrate artists, arts, culture and the creative economy through out all policy areas
The Gateway Cities initiatives is a tremendous program. It is transitioning our post industrial cities into the embracing of all the 21st Century has to offer. Artists of all disciplines, the arts, culture, and the creative economy must be a part of its work. MALC would like the candidates for Governor to commit to factoring in the needs of artist/artisan communities relative to the goals of Gateway Cities and bring economists, architects, city planners and city officials, builders, and artist leaders together at the same table to create affordable and sustainable artists live/work space and Cultural District models within the Gateway Cities. We would like to see full integration of our sector into all Gateway Cities’ policy areas (public safety, education, elder affairs, public health, etc.)
Today, we are excited to post* this Gateway Cities call to action from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and MassDevelopment:
Investing In The Cultural Fabric Of Gateway Cities
The Gateway Cities have a rich cultural heritage: Museums with collections of art made by people from around the world. Theaters and concert halls that have showcased some of America’s greatest performing artists. Historic homes that tell our shared story as a Commonwealth, stretching back to Colonial times right through our own century.
It is critically important that we invest in this cultural heritage, not only to preserve our past but to enrich our future. After all, these buildings are more than just monuments. They are vital economic assets, anchoring Gateway City downtowns, drawing visitors from around the world, and providing good jobs to our residents. They are also providing the space for today’s artists and entrepreneurs, who are creating work that future generations will come to cherish.
The state Legislature acknowledged these benefits when it created the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) in an economic development bill in 2006. Since then, CFF has invested more than $82 million in nonprofit and municipal arts, humanities, and science buildings statewide. That includes more than $19 million for projects in the Gateway Cities. CFF projects have hired more than 19,000 architects, engineers, contractors, and construction workers. The nonprofits awarded grants plan to add 1,842 new permanent jobs after completing their projects.
Supported with seed funding from CFF, the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts has helped transform Federal Square in Worcester since it opened in 2008 following a $32 million restoration. The theatre draws more than 170,000 patrons annually with a variety of Broadway hits, musical and comedy acts, and student performances. It estimates its annual economic impact on the city at $40 million.
In Pittsfield, the CFF-funded restoration of the Colonial Theatre has catalyzed new investment in the city’s urban core. The Colonial reopening was followed by reinvestment in the Berkshire Museum next door, and a decision by Barrington Stage Co. to relocate its award-winning theater to Pittsfield. Both projects received CFF support at critical junctures. The activity generated by these cultural institutions has attracted restaurants, shops, and a coming new hotel. Pittsfield is now securely at the center of the vibrant creative economy of the Berkshires.
And in New Bedford, CFF has played a key role in the expansion of that city’s Whaling Museum. Themuseum’s new $6.5 million Wattles Jacobs Education Center will greatly extend its capacity to serve students in New Bedford Public Schools with in-depth learning experiences when it opens this fall. The new center and library will also allow the museum to open new slots in its teen apprenticeship program, providing more adolescents skills and career opportunities.
CFF dollars have had similarly catalytic impact on cultural building projects in Lowell, Fitchburg, Springfield,and other Gateway Cities. In so doing, CFF has helped our nonprofit organizations become better stewards of their buildings through improved maintenance and systems replacement plans.
We hope Governor Charlie Baker and his Administration recognize the value of this program when they craft their capital plan for the coming fiscal year. The need remains: A recent survey of nonprofits documented a statewide pipeline of nearly $450 million in cultural building projects just through 2017. Over nearly a decade, the CFF has demonstrated that responsible, reliable investment in our cultural heritage pays consistent dividends to our Gateway Cities.
Anita Walker
Executive Director
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Marty Jones
President and CEO
MassDevelopment
*Reposted with permission from the Massachusetts Cultural Council