Power of Culture Blog
A Holiday Message from Michael J. Bobbitt
The Year Behind, The Path Ahead
Bethann Steiner, Public Affairs Director
Artists, cultural workers, and cultural organizations: Please report economic effects of the pandemic by April 15
One year ago, Mass Cultural Council reported devastating economic impacts from COVID-19 pandemic polices – millions in revenue and personal income lost, and tens of thousands of sector jobs impacted and gigs cancelled – as reported by Massachusetts artists and cultural organizations between March 2020 and February 2021 through five surveys conducted by the Agency.
As Massachusetts marks the second anniversary of living with the coronavirus pandemic, Mass Cultural Council is launching a sixth economic impact survey for the cultural sector. From today until Friday, April 15 all cultural sector stakeholders are asked to participate in either the Agency’s COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey for Individuals or the COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey for Cultural Organizations.
Mass Cultural Council is seeking to collect new economic impact data from Massachusetts artists, cultural sector workers, and cultural organizations specifically regarding March 1, 2021 – February 28, 2022.
The data collected will be used to inform and shape advocacy efforts on behalf of the cultural sector. As an independent state agency, Mass Cultural Council is primarily funded through public resources. Between now and the end of the formal legislative session in July, the state Legislature will be finalizing a number of important bills that could impact the cultural sector, including the FY23 state budget, potential bond bills and supplemental budgets, another ARPA-supported pandemic relief spending plan, and other legislative proposals.
“We require updated pandemic economic impact data to ensure Mass Cultural Council’s advocacy on behalf of the cultural sector is accurate, reliable, and compelling,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “I ask all artists, cultural sector workers, and cultural organizations to make time to share your story by April 15. The surveys are not long, and the data you provide will be meaningful as we continue to call for robust public investments supporting arts and culture.”
You asked for it: Cultural organizations can get a “sneak peak” at the questions. Thank you for participating!
Take the COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey for Individuals
Take the COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey for Cultural Organizations
