Working through the arts, humanities, and sciences, culture is a dynamic force for enriching communities, growing the economy, fostering diversity and inclusion, and igniting creativity. Culture is an essential resource for the health and economic well-being of Massachusetts. We seek a Commonwealth where:
Culture is inclusive and welcoming to all – as creators, participants, or audiences. It breaks down barriers, whether physical, societal, or educational. We achieve this by providing resources to creatives and artists to equitably advance creative expression throughout our diverse communities and creating initiatives like Card to Culture and Universal Participation that help cultural organizations become more accessible and inclusive.
3+
Million
free or discounted admissions given at 600+ cultural destinations to low-income Massachusetts residents through the Card to Culture program.1
464
artists and creatives received Grants for Creative Individuals, totaling $2.3M. 96% of recipients were first-time grantees.2
Culture elevates the quality of life and well-being of communities across Massachusetts. More than 2,500 volunteers serve on 329 Local Cultural Councils, the most extensive, grassroots cultural funding network in America. We also support Cultural Districts, Creative Experiences, Tribal Cultural Councils, and other initiatives that make culture a common experience for children and adults across the state, empowering artists and cultural organizations as they bring meaning and purpose to our lives.
51
Percent
of Massachusetts residents attend live arts events and/or visit arts organizations.3
36
Percent
of Massachusetts residents personally perform or create art.4
58
Cultural Districts
consisting of more than 800 partnering organizations – have been designated in Massachusetts, more than any other state in the country.5
$6.5
Million
Each year, local councils award more than $6 million in grants to more than 7,400 cultural programs statewide.6
Culture is a major contributor to economic growth and opportunity in Massachusetts. Programs like the Operating Grants for Organizations and Cultural Facilities Fund fuel this sector with grants and services that help our nonprofits grow, thrive, and better serve their public. Our Cultural Districts foster local partnerships between artists, nonprofits, businesses, and municipalities, putting culture at the center of community development.
29.7
billion dollars
Economic impact of Massachusetts' cultural sector.7
130
thousand
Jobs linked to the arts and cultural sector in Massachusetts.8
4
percent
Portion of the state economy the cultural sector represents.9
Culture plays a major role in the formation of creative, productive, and independent-minded young people in Massachusetts. An indispensable part of a well-rounded education, culture creates citizens who are open and creative – ready to succeed in a globalized, increasingly competitive world. We support arts education and creative youth development, and foster organizations and programs that bring culture to students across the Commonwealth.
$3.98
million
total income earned last year by 2,000 young people participating in YouthReach programs, bringing those resources to their families and communities.10
11+
thousand
youth empowered through creative youth development programs we support.11