Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Grow the Massachusetts Creative Economy

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Grow the Massachusetts Creative Economy 

New Report Proposes Strategies to Spark Investment and Job Growth in State’s Cultural Economy 

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released a report with recommended strategies for better supporting artists and creative workers while fostering more economic opportunities for the cultural sector. The report, crafted by Governor Healey’s Cultural Economy Advisory Council, recommends several measures to build a stronger foundation for public investment, strategic planning, robust policy, economic growth and jobs within the state’s creative economy, which supports 133,000 jobs across Massachusetts and contributes $27 billion to the state economy each year.  

"Massachusetts’ creative economy is a source of inspiration for us all and a powerful driver of innovation, community and economic growth,” said Governor Healey. “By investing in our artists and cultural institutions, we strengthen the spirit and competitiveness of our state. We thank the Cultural Economy Advisory Council for their hard work and look forward to reviewing their findings and continuing our work together to find new ways to support growth in the creative sector.”  

"In Massachusetts, creativity isn’t just culture – it's an engine for economic growth and the bold ideas that move our state forward,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are excited to explore these recommendations to strengthen the arts and culture sector and expand economic opportunity for artists and creatives.” 

In 2024, Governor Healey created the Cultural Economy Advisory Council to identify and coordinate activities that will revitalize cultural sector policymaking, funding, infrastructure, and partnerships. The Council, comprised of 29 individuals from the business community, higher education institutions, local governments, nonprofits, economic development agencies, planning councils, and arts organizations, is chaired by the Executive Office of Economic Development.  

The Council’s final recommendations include:  

• Define Cultural Economy: Map the cultural economy and standardize a definition. 

• Elevate Arts, Humanities & Culture Within State Government: Encourage cross-sector partnerships and integrate arts professionals directly into state government.  

• Establish Capital Initiatives to Support Downtown Revitalization and Space Preservation: Review capital authorizations and explore public-private partnerships. 

• Promote Business Acumen and Workforce Development for Creative Workers: Explore ways to develop educational pathways for artists and cultural workers. 

• Identify Permanent Sustainable Revenue Stream: Convene a group to discuss the plausibility of a sustainable, consistent revenue stream for arts, humanities, and culture. 

“Mass Cultural Council applauds the Governor’s Cultural Policy Advisory Council for its forward-thinking recommendations to strengthen the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council. “We have long recognized that arts and culture are vital to our communities, economies, and collective identity. This joint effort represents a pivotal step toward fully embedding, integrating, and stabilizing the sector within all public policy, programming, and funding decisions. As the state’s arts agency, this has always been our goal, and we deeply value the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s partnership in advancing the power of culture across Massachusetts.” 

“The findings of the Cultural Economy Advisory Council Report show a path forward to further strengthen and expand the creative economy in Massachusetts," said Senator Paul Mark, Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. "Recommendations such as strengthening the relationship between the public sector and creative entities, establishing an in-Residence Program for creative professionals, and identifying permanent sustainable revenue streams, if implemented, will lead to substantial, permanent improvements in this vital sector of our economy.  It was great listening to and learning from so many engaged individuals that helped put this plan together.” 

The Council presented the report today during MASSCreative’s Creative Sector Day at the State House, with Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll in attendance. The full report is available here.