Cultural District

Post date: Oct 25, 2016 8:7:0 PM

Good afternoon:

I am sending you this email to update you on the MCC’s plans to continue to support your work through the coming year.

First, we will provide $5,000 startup grants only to newly designated Cultural Districts. We made this decision for a couple of reasons. First, MCC received flat funding in the FY17 state budget. At the same time cities and towns continue to apply for new Cultural District designations, and we want to encourage those communities. So instead of spreading an already modest investment thinner, we decided that the startup funding will have the most impact for new Districts.

We have not given up on securing new funding for your work, however. MCC successfully advocated for a provision in recently enacted economic development legislation: H.4569<https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/House/H4569/Text>. The bill authorizes up to $500,000 over five years for “improving wayfinding efforts in cultural districts” designated by MCC. This money must be appropriated by the Baker Administration, however, through its annual capital program before MCC can distribute it. So we will ask for your help in advocating for release of these funds. Look out for a follow up communication on this.

In addition, this January we will offer you an opportunity to participate in our public radio sponsorship program. MCC will purchase a series of brief spots on WCRB/WGBH, WBUR, WICN, and NEPR to promote our Massachusetts Cultural Districts. We will work with you to develop the content of these spots in ways that help you reach your marketing goals.

Lastly, we welcome your suggestions of arts and cultural leaders from your Cultural District to be featured on our Podcast: Creative Minds Out Loud<http://creativemindsoutloud.org/>, and will gladly share social media promotional efforts you are creating for your biggest event of the 2017.

In the meantime please call or email me or Annie Houston with questions, concerns, and ideas.

Please note that I will be out of the office from October 31 through November 15.

Meri

Meri Jenkins

Adams Arts Program/MA Cultural Districts Initiative

Massachusetts Cultural Council