The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
Whereas, The arts and humanities enrich the lives Of Massachusetts residents, strengthen communities, preserve and- share our diverse histories and- traditions, and help us understand one another and the world around us; and
Whereas, Massachusetts is home to a vibrant cultural sector of artists, creative workers, cultural organizations, museums, libraries, historic sites, educators, scholars, and community-based practitioners whose work contributes to the Commonwealth’s distinctive identity, and quality of life; and
Whereas, The arts and humanities are essential to a thriving democracy, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, empathy, civic participation, and meaningful connections across differences; and
Whereas, {=Massachusetts’ cultural sector, including more than 15,000 cultural organizations and at least 112,000 individuals, is a significant contributor to the Commonwealth’s economy, with the most recent federal data reporting that arts and cultural production generated nearly $30 billion in economic activity in 2023, supported more than 130,000 jobs, and accounted for approximately 4 percent of the state’s economy; and
Whereas, cultural activity supports local economies throughout the Commonwealth by attracting visitors, strengthening small businesses, revitalizing downtowns, cultural, and commercial districts, and contributing to communities where people want to live, work, learn, and invest; and
Whereas, the arts and humanities are valuable partners in addressing complex challenges and advancing shared goals, bringing imagination, creative problem-solving, research, storytelling, and new perspectives to collaborations across sectors; and
Whereas, creativity is a driver of innovation, providing an in-demand skiff for employers across all industries, and strategic partnerships among artists, cultural organizations, businesses, educators, researchers, nonprofit organizations, and government can create new opportunities for economic growth, education, community development, and public well- being, while strengthening the cultural sector and the broader Commonwealth; and
Whereas, the Commonwealth recognizes that the creative economy is an important component of Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness and that continued collaboration across sectors can help unlock new opportunities for artists, cultural organizations, and creative workers; and
Whereas, the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, the Mass Cultural Council works with artists, communities, and organizations to advance the power of culture across Massachusetts and to strengthen the cultural sector through investment, partnerships, and advocacy; and
Whereas, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts joins communities across the nation in recognizing the essential role of the arts and humanities in building a more creative, connected: and prosperous future;
Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 2026, to be, ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH and urge the residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first Of October, in the year two twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and fiftieth.
[Signed by Governor Maura T. Healey, Lt. Governor Kimberly Driscoll, and Secretary of the Commonwealth Wiilliam Francis Galvin]
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts