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Arts & Culture is Economic Development
Bethann Steiner, Senior Director of Public Affairs
Mass Wins Act bolsters cultural sector with policy and new public investments
In April, Governor Maura Healey filed her 2026 economic development bond bill, H. 5386, the Mass Wins Act, for consideration by the Legislature. Today, the Joint Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies is holding a public hearing at the State House to solicit public comment on this legislation.
There is much for the cultural sector to be excited about in this bond bill; Mass Cultural Council submitted testimony to the Committee to outline policy and capital investment victories for arts, culture, and creativity.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration says the Mass Wins Act positions Massachusetts as the hub for global investment, talent, and innovation while strengthening competitiveness across the state. Mass Wins lowers costs, unlocks growth, and invests in key sectors like AI, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Together, these steps keep Massachusetts on top and set the stage for long-term growth.
Mass Cultural Council applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their vision for the Commonwealth’s economy, and is most pleased that the cultural sector is recognized and heavily invested in three key ways:
- Section 7 of the bill expands access to the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) by removing restrictive eligibility requirements. This is a legislative priority of Mass Cultural Council and we are grateful to the Administration for helping us advance this goal in the legislative process.
- Line-item 7002-8086 creates a new $25 million capital grant program, to be administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), to enhance the arts, culture, and the creative economy in Massachusetts.
- Line item 7002-8085 creates a new $25 million Downtown Vitality program to support economic development and the activation of downtowns, main streets, cultural districts, and other walkable community centers across Massachusetts, also administered by EOED.
The Mass Wins Act must be enacted by both the House and Senate with a roll call vote, and if necessary, sent to conference to negotiate final compromise language, by the end of formal legislative sessions, which is July 31, 2026. Mass Cultural Council will continue to monitor this legislation, engage in advocacy, and provide updates at each step of the legislative process.
We are thrilled to see our partners in the Administration embrace our belief that arts, culture, and creativity are not a luxury, but a core sector that impacts the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness and success. After all, the most recent federal data shows that arts and culture accounts for nearly $30 billion in economic activity in Massachusetts, hosts 130,000 jobs statewide, and accounts for 4% of the state GDP.