Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

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May 17 Creative Economy Council update!

Update on the Creative Economy Council – 1st meeting is May 17th.Commonwealth of Massachusetts seal

First thank you to everyone who sent well wishes about my recent appointment to the Massachusetts Creative Economy Council.

The first 2012 full meeting of the CEC is Thursday, May 17th 3pm at 1 Ashburton Place, 21st Floor, Conference Room 3, Boston, MA 02108. It is free and open to the public.

Here is an explanation about the CEC: “The Creative Economy Council is an advisory Council to the Legislature and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development which was called to action by a law signed by Governor Patrick on October, 8th 2008. Its legislated purpose is to develop a statewide strategy for the enhancement, encouragement, and growth of the creative economy in Massachusetts, and to promoting through public and private means responsive public policies and innovative private sector practices. ” (http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/industries/creative/council.html)

Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition members (MALC) have been attending the CEC meetings since they started in 2008 and then Creative Economy Industry Director, Jason Schupbach, asked MALC to be the artists working group for the CEC. I was appointed by the Governor under the umbrella of MALC.

In 2009 MALC gave its recommendations to the CEC (note due to the economic downturn it was strongly urged to forgo any recommendations for new funding streams) http://www.artistsunderthedome.org/MALC_CEC09.pdf

Artist Cheryl Warriwick was on the CEC and MALC worked with her and supported her in her official role. She recently stepped down and deserves a big thank you for all the time she gave to be on the CEC. There is no salary, pay, or reimbursement for the appointed council members- so Cheryl gave up studio time to be on the council.

There are now around 40 people on the council. I am very excited to be working with the new Creative Economy Industry Director and former CEC council member, Helena Fruscio. She, like Jason, is “one of us” (Jason is a musician and Helena is a visual artist).

I will be writing a section for the MALC Blog about the CEC (http://artistsunderthedome.org/malc/) and I will post links to my MALC blog on my FB page and on MALC FB page as well.

And yes I will be baking banana bread for the CEC meetings!

See you on the 17th!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Bitetti
Artist & Advocate
Co-founder of MALC & ArtistsUndertheDome.org
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The CEC agenda for the May 17th meeting:

MASSACHUSETTS CREATIVE ECONOMY COUNCIL
First 2012 Full Council Meeting
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2011
Location: 1 Ashburton Place, 21st Floor, Conference Room 3, Boston, MA 02108

Meeting Agenda
1. Introductions
2. Welcome, Secretary Greg Bialecki
3. Creative Economy Industry Director Report, Helena Fruscio
4. Brief History of the Massachusetts Creative Economy Council, Helena Fruscio
5. Future of the Massachusetts Creative Economy Council, Helena Fruscio
6. Wrap up and Next Steps