25 Million Reasons to Say Thank You

On Wednesday, March 1st, Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll released their administration's inaugural budget. The total FY24 $55 billion budget proposal is approximately 4% more than the FY23 budget and includes some very good news for the creative community!

Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll recommended $25 million for the operations and grant programs of the Mass Cultural Council - an 11% increase from the Mass Cultural Council's FY23 operating budget. More importantly, it is a significant milestone for a Massachusetts governor and the creative sector: Governor Healey's budget recommendation is 22.65% more than Governor Baker's recommendation last year - which was the most his administration ever recommended for the agency.

Earlier this year, MASSCreative launched its $5 for creativity campaign - urging the Healey Driscoll Administration to increase the Mass Cultural Council line item to $5 per resident of the Commonwealth, approximately $35 million total. At $25 million, Governor Healey's recommendation would result in a $3.58 per capita of state spending for arts, culture, and creativity. The Healey Driscoll Administration's proposal is an essential step in our campaign, and we want to demonstrate our thanks for this quick progress!

Take a moment to share your thanks with Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll today.

? Take future action with a single click.
Log in or Sign up for FastAction

Contact Information

Prefix (Optional) First Name Last Name Suffix (Optional)

Street Address Address Line 2 (Optional)

Postal Code City State

Email Home Phone (Optional)

Remember me so that I can use FastAction next time.

(Optional)

Thank You for Being An Creative Sector Champion

Dear [elected official],

Personalize your message

As an avid supporter of arts, culture, and creative expression for all residents of the Commonwealth, I was delighted to see your first budget included $25 million for our state arts agency, the Mass Cultural Council. This 11% increase from the FY23 allocation strongly signals that your administration understands the significant impact of artists, creative workers, cultural organizations, and creative businesses that make up the Massachusetts creative sector. It is also an important historic milestone: The largest amount ever recommended by a Massachusetts Governor - nearly 22% more than Governor Baker allocated in his FY23 budget.

$25 million means $3.58 per capita of state spending for arts, culture, and creativity getting us much closer to our long-term goal of $5 per capita. I want to thank you and your administration for making this important step in our campaign. You truly champion artists, creative workers, and cultural organizations across Massachusetts.

For the last three years, the arts and cultural community has supported Massachusetts residents through the pandemic by creating spaces for connection and elevating important public health messaging. The creative sector also generated $23.8 billion of economic value in 2020. We are eager to continue our work and believe public funding makes this possible, and I am glad we have you as a partner in these efforts.

Sincerely, [Your information here]