Power of Culture Blog
Governor Healey Addresses Council Members
Her video address charges them with taking bold action to continue the Agency’s work of fostering an equitable and vibrant cultural sector across Massachusetts
Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt was presented with the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion last night at the 55th Annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. The prestigious award was presented to Bobbitt in recognition of his commitment to the arts and educational theater, and his notable career as a playwright, director, and arts leader.
The festival, which hosts hundreds of undergraduate theater students for a week of workshops, performances, presentations, and networking opportunities, was hosted by Cape Cod Community College in Hyannis, Massachusetts. It is one of eight regional festivals held each year.
The Kennedy Center Medallion is presented annually to an individual or organization that has made extraordinary contributions to the teaching or producing of theater and who demonstrates a strong commitment to the values and goals of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. It is widely considered one of the great honors in theater education.
Bobbitt recently marked two years as Mass Cultural Council’s Executive Director. He is an award-winning theater director, choreographer, and playwright who has dedicated his professional career to arts leadership. To date, as Executive Director Michael has led the Agency through the development and implementation of its first-ever Racial Equity Plan and worked with staff, Council Members, and cultural sector advocates to secure a historic $60.1M in pandemic relief funding as well as an increase in Mass Cultural Council’s annual state appropriation.
Mass Cultural Council congratulates Michael on this remarkable recognition!