On to 2018!
The MALC Steering Committee wishes all
a safe, creative and healthy 2018!
2017 was a busy year for MALC and others advocating for Massachusetts artists of all disciplines. MALC worked on several pieces of legislation and is following and advocating for even more. In 2017, MALC Steering Committee members testified at the State House and/or sent in written testimony in support of key bills. Our team was honored to testify with Representative Chris Walsh on several bills he filed for our community. We are deeply grateful that Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Lori Ehrlich took our community’s concerns to bear and made sure that their 2017 versions of the Ivory bill did not harm the working musicians of Massachusetts.
Here is the list of legislation that MALC is following so far for 2018:
http://artistsunderthedome.org/legislature.html
Our Annual Artists Under the Dome Event and our 2nd annual Champion of Artists awards at the State House on November 8th 2017 were a smashing success. Thank you to all the collaborators and people who made this one of kind event in the nation event happen!
Last year, however, was a year of tough battles on the national level and, also, on a moral level here in our own state. One key battle that is still underway in our state is the Berkshire Museum and its effort to sell off its prize collection. MALC is steadfastly opposed to this. And we thank the Attorney General Healey and her team, the Mass Cultural Council and the Berkshire artists and arts community members who are leading this important fight. Update on this matter:
http://www.artnews.com/2017/12/13/attorney-generals-investigation-continues-judge-extends-pause-berkshire-museum-sale/
January is when the state’s budget process begins with the Governor releasing his budget on Wednesday, January 24th, 2018. Rest assured that the MALC Steering Committee will be keeping you informed of this and all matters that impact our community.
We thank you for taking the time and taking the effort to support our calls to advocacy!