Power of Culture Blog
Mass Cultural Testifies on Governor’s FY26 Budget
The Agency is Seeking $28M for Arts & Culture
Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director
Imagine a world where leaders of cultural organizations and creative individuals wake up, stretch, grab their coffee, and—right after checking emails—jump into advocacy. Advocacy should be as routine as taking vitamins because it’s essential for the health of our sector. If we’re serious about securing a sustainable and thriving creative economy, advocacy must be a daily practice, not an occasional afterthought.
As we continue to champion creativity, culture, and community, we must also acknowledge a fundamental gap in our approach—advocacy. Compared to other sectors like healthcare, the environment, and housing, arts advocacy is underdeveloped and often limited to securing funding rather than shaping policy. It’s time to rethink our approach and fully integrate advocacy into the DNA of how we operate. How are we showing up in the public square for our needs? I believe this is a pivotal moment for the arts and culture sector in Massachusetts.
Beyond Funding: What Government Can Do for the Arts
The arts community often views government primarily as a source of grants and appropriations. But government plays a much broader role in shaping industries. Consider how it supports other sectors:
The STEM to STEAM movement is a perfect example. When Massachusetts invested heavily in STEM education and workforce development (some $3B to date), the arts sector missed an opportunity to integrate itself into that funding, infrastructure, and policy effort. The arts, when paired with STEM, could increase Massachusetts’ competitive edge—imagine more creative scientists, engineers, and mathematicians! The arts sector could have seen a massive boost in patronage, donors, fees for services, contracts, and workforce opportunities, not to mention “creativity” incorporated as an essential professional development tool.
Operationalizing Advocacy: A Necessary Shift
Advocacy should not be an afterthought or an occasional campaign; it should be as ingrained in our operations as marketing, finance, and fundraising. The business community, climate advocates, and housing advocates all have highly organized advocacy infrastructures—so should we. Government makes the laws and runs the economy—advocacy is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for doing business in any community.
What if every arts organization had a dedicated advocacy strategy? What if advocacy was a standing agenda item at staff and board meetings? What if our relationships with policymakers extended beyond funding requests? The success of other advocacy movements shows that sustained engagement yields real results.
Building Relationships: A Key to Influence
“People do business with people they know,” says my mentor Cliff Chiet. Relationships matter. When I moved to Massachusetts and took the helm at New Repertory Theatre, one of my first actions was to meet with town council members, the town manager, and state legislators. Some thought this was an unusual step, but it proved essential. These relationships led to:
These successes were not about asking for money but about positioning the arts as a valued and integrated part of the community.
Expanding the Arts Advocacy Agenda
We need to lean on policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to include the arts in their platforms. Currently, many government officials feel little pressure from the arts community. This is a missed opportunity.
Policy, Advocacy, and Government are Scary (But So is Performing!!)
Sure, government meetings and advocacy can be intimidating. But so is standing in front of thousands of people and singing a song, curating a gallery exhibition, or executing a triple pirouette. Artists have the gumption and nerve to do what others find impossible. Doing hard, scary things is built into our cells. We are experts at incorporating social justice into our work—now we must develop the skill to turn our social justice art into political action. If we don’t engage in advocacy, what are we losing?
A Call to Action: What You Can Do Today
If you’re an arts leader wondering where to start, here’s one simple step: go to your municipal and state government websites, pull the contact information for every legislator and town official, and send them a note thanking them for their support of the arts. Request a meeting to discuss how your organization contributes to the community. And make a note to invite them to your events.
Other ideas:
Join the Movement
If you are not currently a member of MASSCreative, why not?
Every sector with a strong presence on Beacon Hill has an advocacy organization—ours is MASSCreative. Join, stay engaged with their calls to action, and use their tools to weigh in with policymakers on issues that impact your organization and the sector at large. We are fortunate to have them as partners in this work, as they focus on advocacy for the creative sector every day.
Mark your calendars: April 28-May 2, 2025 is Creative Sector Advocacy Week in Massachusetts. Now is the time to decide how you will participate. You can host a community event, and, more importantly, on April 30, let’s show up in droves at the State House for Creative Sector Day.
Like other service organizations, MASSCreative is here to enhance and support your advocacy efforts, but the real work and organizing must come from each creative and each organization. This is your charge. The turbulent times we are in require a shift in values and behavior. Let’s not waste this moment.
I believe—and Mass Cultural Council knows—that the arts are not just nice to have; they are essential to our communities, economies, and identities. It’s time we make that case—not just to funders, but to policymakers who shape the future of our sector.
So, take your daily advocacy vitamin, get out there, and make some good noise. Build your advocacy muscle and advocacy habits, so that this is part of “doing business as usual.” I need your help. The sector needs your help. I’m cheering you on—and maybe even throwing in a standing ovation.
