Lisa Simmons, Program Manager
Municipalities play a vital role in nurturing and sustaining cultural vibrancy within their communities. They enrich the lives of residents and contribute to the overall well-being and identity of their cities and towns when they:
- Invest in creative spaces
- Provide financial support
- Organize cultural events
- Promote arts education
- Preserve heritage
- Encourage public art projects
- Foster collaborations
As part of our efforts to advance the sector, Mass Cultural Council as has begun working more deeply with the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) through a series of webinars to engage with their members around how arts and culture can drive growth and enrich municipalities.
MMA is a membership organization that brings municipal officials together to articulate a clear and united message, develops and advocates for unified policies, and shares information to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal service delivery.
These webinars introduced MMA to the work of the Mass Cultural Council – including its 329 Local Cultural Councils and 54 Cultural Districts across the Commonwealth – and highlighted cities and towns who have embraced and fully support arts and culture in their communities.
By working closely with their Local Cultural Councils and state designated Cultural Districts, these municipalities recognize the role of culture in enhancing quality of life and attracting tourism and investment.
An overview of the mission, vision, and impact of Mass Cultural Council. Panelists discuss how communities can support and promote the arts by appointing staff to a local cultural council, and how they can build cultural districts through community initiatives, such as planning and zoning.
Officials from municipalities with thriving cultural communities discuss how to build public support for arts, culture and tourism; celebrate different traditions and talents; and promote economic opportunity within cities and towns.
We want to thank the mayors of Newton and Chicopee, members of the Bedford and Falmouth Boards of Selectmen, Franklin’s Cultural Development Director and cultural district representative, and Fitchburg Cultural Council for sharing their cultural success stories with us!
Next, Mass Cultural Council will be meeting with Mayors and City Managers and will attend MMA’s next annual meeting.
Please consider sharing these webinars with your municipal leaders as you make the case for culture in your city or town.