The Massachusetts Cultural Council would be level funded at nearly $14 million for the coming fiscal year under a proposed state budget released today by Gov. Charlie Baker, the state arts agency reported.
“We thank Governor Baker for his support for the arts, humanities, and sciences,” MCC Executive Director Anita Walker said in press release, while calling for an additional $3 million in funding for the next fiscal year, which begins in July. “This initial proposal recognizes culture as a vital force for economic prosperity and community vitality across Massachusetts. It represents a promising start to the budget process.”
The state arts advocacy group MassCreative also called for more state arts spending. Executive Director Matt Wilson said in a press release: “Governor Baker’s proposed funding of the Mass Cultural Council at $14 million is a good starting point in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget process. Given that the arts sector is a significant economic driver and community building block in municipalities across the state, we will continue to support a $3 million increased investment in the Mass Cultural Council.”
Pictured: Bernard LaCasse works with conservators from the Cambridge Arts Council to restore his iconic “Beat the Belt” mural in Cambridge, June 19, 2017. (Greg Cook)
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