Create the Vote!

MASSCreative to Partner with Local Groups on Cape and Islands and Berkshires to Highlight Arts and Culture During Legislative Campaigns

HYANNIS (Cape Cod), May 27, 2016—MASSCreative announced today that it has partnered with local art groups on the Cape and Islands and in the Berkshires to run Create the Vote campaigns during legislative races for the House and Senate. The campaigns will highlight the importance and role that arts and culture play in communities.

“Arts intersects with all of the important issues we discuss during political campaigns such as education, the economy, public health and safety, and how to create communities in which we want to live, work, and play,” said Matt Wilson, executive director of MASSCreative. “We are excited to hear from the candidates for state representative and state senator on their vision for the roles that arts and culture can play in their communities.”

Create the Vote encourages candidates to develop dynamic cultural policies and to lead by example by convening community leaders on the arts and by attending arts and cultural events. It engages in broad-based public education by holding public meetings with candidates, artists, and cultural leaders, and publicizing candidates’ answers to a questionnaire about the arts.

“Arts and culture are as fundamental to our regional identity as sand dunes and salty air.  We are a community that truly values the enormous contribution the arts make to Cape Cod. We are excited to be part of MASSCreative’s Create the Vote Campaign, and we look forward to connecting with all of the candidates,” said Julie Wake, Executive Director of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.

The campaign was a significant presence during 2015 mayoral campaigns in Fitchburg, Gloucester, Medford, New Bedford, and Worcester. During the 2014 gubernatorial race, Create the Vote hosted six candidates at the first-ever Gubernatorial Forum on Arts, Culture, and Creativity; met with candidates; and publicized the answers to candidates’ Create the Vote questionnaires. In the 2013 Boston mayoral race, Create the Vote succeeded in securing a pledge from candidate Marty Walsh to create a cabinet level position for the arts, a promise he fulfilled after his election with the hiring of Julie Burros as Chief of Arts and Culture.

Follow the campaign on Twitter with the hashtag #CreateTheVote. You can also “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @MASSCreative, and visit http://www.mass-creative.org/ctv.

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Founded in 2012, MASSCreative works with creative leaders and entrepreneurs, working artists, arts educators, and arts and cultural supporters to empower creative organizations and the public with a powerful voice to advocate for the resources and support necessary to build vibrant and connected communities. MASSCreative has more than 300 arts and cultural member organizations from around the state.