FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cyr to be recognized for serving as a champion of the arts at June 9th event
April 25, 2022 (Cape Cod, MA) – State Senator Julian Cyr, a longtime champion of the arts who has used his position in the legislature to strengthen the region’s creative economy, will be recognized by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) as the Honorary Chair at its Prelude to Summer fundraiser at the Hyannisport Club on Thursday, June 9th.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.artsfoundation.org.
“Julian has been a staunch advocate for the arts and understands the vital impact the arts have here on the Cape,” said AFCC Executive Director Julie Wake. “We’re excited to celebrate his commitment to arts and culture, and for ensuring they remain at the forefront of who we are as a community. In light of the pandemic and the events of the past two years, we cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Julian.”
Senator Cyr expressed gratitude for the recognition as it spotlights his support of arts and culture which has shaped who he is as a person. “I am truly touched to be named the Honorary Chair for this year’s Prelude to Summer and celebrate the incredible arts and culture of Cape Cod and the Islands,” he said. “Indeed, we are awash in artistic and cultural talent and resources. Let’s do everything we can to continue to foster a vibrant arts culture that attracts artists and art lovers from near and far.”
At the state level, Senator Cyr has worked tirelessly to advocate for resources to strengthen the creative sector.
In 2021, Senator Cyr was instrumental in securing $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support the AFCC’s Creative Exchange program. It represents the largest one-time investment in the arts on Cape Cod by our state government. The grant will assist local creatives through professional development; a capacity-building grant program to provide artists with a business plan and a road map to achieve financial stability; fellowships; the Creative Exchange podcast series that highlights Cape artists and cultural leaders; and promotion of local artists and cultural events through ArtsCapeCod.org.
Senator Cyr’s other arts-related efforts have included spearheading arts and tourism promotion; securing robust funding for the Massachusetts Cultural Council; and sponsoring a bill to increase artistic representation at the State House.
Two decades ago, Senator Cyr discovered his voice through the arts as a singer in the Nauset High School choir. “It made all the difference in the world,” he said on this season of the AFCC’s Creative Exchange podcast, which launched at the beginning of this month. “It was a remarkably amazing environment where I just really got to know a part of myself that I had really, I think, buried and put somewhere else and suppressed.”
The experience was so transformative that when his choir teacher was one of 40 to be eliminated his junior year, he organized a grassroots campaign that was instrumental in successfully passing a Proposition 2 ½ override in the district. “It was really incredible,” Senator Cyr shared on the podcast. “It was absolutely the first time I realized I could step out into my community and instigate and create change. It kind of catapulted me to take on leadership roles. …And it is also what got me hooked on public service.”
About the AFCC
Founded in 1987, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod’s (AFCC) mission is to support, promote and celebrate the arts and culture of Cape Cod. It fulfills its mission by funding grants, fellowships, and scholarships; by advocating for more awareness on the impact the Cape’s creative economy has on our region and beyond; and by building a strong arts community network through membership.
Media Contact:
Chris Kazarian, Communications Director, 508-362-0066, ext. 110, ckazarian@artsfoundation.org
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