Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

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

On Tour: Legislators Exploring The State Of Art, Tourism, And Culture In The Commonwealth

The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development is touring the state with a series of public “listening” forums. The goal: get a front line perspective on the Commonwealth’s Art, Tourism, and Cultural sectors from those of us working within and/or enjoying the artists community and creative economy.

State Representative Cory Atkins (D-Concord) and State Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives (D-Newburyport), Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, kicked off a series of public hearings in June.

The forums are meant to solicit ideas from the arts, cultural, and tourism communities, and the general public. These ideas will help the Committee develop policies that strengthen arts, culture, and tourism in Massachusetts. From 2013 to 2014 the Committee will be visiting each of the state’s cultural districts and regional tourism districts, as well as touring some of the state’s cultural institutions and major tourism destinations. Officials from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), and the Regional Tourism Councils (RTCs) are taking part in the forums.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

Monday, August 5 – The Berkshire Museum, 39 South St, Pittsfield

Thursday, September 26– Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall Fame Ave, Springfield. Public hearing from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, October 4– Franklin County, Johnny Appleseed Trail, and Mohawk Trail

All meetings will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The meetings are accessible and the public is encouraged to attend.

Tourism is recognized as the third largest revenue producing industry in Massachusetts with a $3.6 billion payroll across 124,700 jobs. In 2011, 21.3 million people visited Massachusetts and spent $16.9 billion, according to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Tourist surveys consistently indicate that arts, culture, and history are among the top reasons for choosing to visit our state. Non-profit cultural organizations employ nearly 18,000 Massachusetts residents, generating $28 million in payroll taxes and $1.2 billion in annual in-state spending.

Five Roles for Arts, Culture, and Design – Report!

Click to Download

The National Governor’s Association released a report yesterday, “Five Roles for Arts, Culture and Design”.

In this report Massachusetts is named multiple time, showing we are truly leading the way in the development of the creative economy.

Organizations listed in the report include: DIGMA, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Berkshire Creative, and Artists for Humanities.

Click on the report’s image to download it and learn!

… and three cheers for Massachusetts!

Pittsfield Officials Believe the Arts Vital to City Planning

Elected officials in Pittsfield “get it”. Their recent forum, covered by Joe Durwin at iBerkshires.com, reports valuable lessons for artists and artists-advocates.

(John) Krol, who also participated in the downtown cultural push of recent years as the city’s public affairs coordinator and as host of the “Good Morning Pittsfield” radio talk show, talked about obstacles overcome in making Pittsfield a more culture-savvy city.

“It didn’t just happen. It was really hard work,” he said. “When we decided to put a $1 million to make the Colonial Theatre happen, that was a good decision. We invested a half-million dollars in Barrington Stage Company, and ultimately a loan for the Beacon Cinema. Those were decisions where each one became easier after we made the first hard one. The first hard one, of course, was the Colonial.”

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Tricia Farley-Bouvier, (D Pittsfield)

“Teaching your elected officials … is critical”

“Teaching your elected officials about your issues, and your needs is critical,” said Farley-Bouvier. “Don’t underestimate how effective you can be.”

“Be organized, and advocate”

“Come to me with information, and teach me about what you do,” the legislator (Tricia Farley-Bouvier) told the 40 or so attendees, representing a multitude of different interests in the local cultural economy. “Be organized, and advocate. When it comes times for funding for issues, don’t sit back and think someone else is going to do it for you. Be aggressive.”

 Be sure to read the entire story of Pittsfield’s example here.