Celebrating our Arts-Vibrant Communities

Bethann Steiner, Senior Director of Public Affairs

A week ago Mass Cultural Council celebrated the news that Massachusetts retained its ranking as the third most arts-vibrant state in the nation, according to SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research.

Today, SMU DataArts released its annual ranking of the 40 most arts-vibrant communities in the United States, organized into three separate lists based on community size. The list is based on their 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index data, which is developed through a data-driven approach that analyzes the level of supply, demand, and government support for the arts using data available in more than 900 communities across the country.

The Index reflects fluctuations in arts activity, participation, funding, access, and employment that occurs in each community. Arts-vibrant communities recognize regional artistic diversity and community success. The 2024 Index celebrates four Massachusetts communities of various sizes:

• Our capital city of Boston is ranked #3 arts-vibrant large community in the nation (up 1 spot from last year – its highest position ever!), while Cambridge-Newton-Framingham is ranked #20.
• Pittsfield, in the Berkshires, is the #4 ranked arts-vibrant medium sized community in the nation.
• Vineyard Haven, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, is the #4 ranked most arts-vibrant small community in the nation.

The Arts Vibrancy Index is composed of 13 unique measures which cover aspects of supply, demand, and public support for arts and culture, and are adjusted for cost of living and population differences among communities.

Learn More About the Top 40 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2024