Today the state Legislature approved a budget for the new fiscal year that boosts funding for the arts, humanities, and sciences through Mass Cultural Council by $2 million. The FY20 state budget funds Mass Cultural Council at $18 million, a 12 percent increase over last year and its highest state appropriation since 2002.
Creativity is in full bloom at three Springfield Housing Authority developments. Children at Duggan, Moxon, and Riverview Apartments are critically assessing and discussing a variety of art works, both classic and modern. And then, they are creating their own art inspired by their new way of seeing and reflecting on how artists create.
Check out recent episodes of Creative Minds Out Loud, Mass Cultural Council's podcast, featuring:
- Diane Paulus and Diane Borger of the American Repertory Theater
- Alex Oliver-Dávila of Sociedad Latina
- Margaret Keller of Community Access to the Arts (CATA)
Through our Community Initiative, Mass Cultural Council works to support all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Over the last two years, our Cultural Compact pilot program supported a new and innovative approach to elevating arts and culture in communities.
Culture is intrinsically valuable and unique in its ability to lift the human spirit. Cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. Mass Cultural Council must be a leader in making Massachusetts a place of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Periodically, we pose questions about issues artists face in their work and lives. This month, we asked: Why is it important to you to incorporate real stories or real people into your art?
Organizing an event? Here are 10 practices to center accessibility...
Our monthly Fellows Notes shares the latest news from current and past Artist Fellows and Finalists.
The Foster Families Pilot Program is a one-year pilot that connects Western Massachusetts Department of Children and Families offices and social workers with a contact person at participating cultural organizations in their region.
Each spring, we encourage Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) to gather community input to better inform council priorities for each granting season. Input can be gathered from in-person conversations, public convenings, and/or through surveys. Collecting viewpoints from members of the community can help LCC members better understand the community’s needs, interests, and knowledge of local resources.
