BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council today announces that the Card to Culture program has reached two major milestones, with more than 600 participating cultural organizations that have provided more than 3 million free or steeply discounted admissions in total.
“The Card to Culture program is about ensuring that everyone in Massachusetts has the same opportunity to create, experience culture, and be part of a community,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Mass Cultural Council is proud of this program and is grateful to the cultural organizations that participate and share in our vision for access.”
As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.
First launched in 2017, Card to Culture is collaboration between Mass Cultural Council, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector. The program provides EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cardholders with free or steeply discounted admission to hundreds of cultural organizations across the state.
“More than ever, our mission at the Department of Transitional Assistance is to help children be fed in both body and soul,” said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole. “Card to Culture brings that mission to life by ensuring that access to arts and culture is not a privilege, but a shared opportunity. These experiences can inspire, build confidence, and open doors that might otherwise remain out of reach for low-income children. Beyond putting food on the table, we are helping to expand what is possible. I am grateful for this partnership and excited to see its continued growth.”
“We continue to be grateful for our ongoing work with Mass Cultural Council to offer Card to Culture access to WIC participants,” said Department of Public Health Nutrition Division Director Rachel Colchamiro. “Participants tell us that they truly value this component of their WIC benefits. We’re thrilled to partner with Mass Cultural Council to make the Commonwealth’s amazing cultural resources accessible and affordable, and maybe even support families to explore something new.”
"The Health Connector works every day to promote the wellbeing of the Massachusetts public through access to health coverage and health care. But we know a healthy life is about more than health insurance. It’s also about engaging fully in community and connecting to the diverse and life-enriching cultural experiences available here in the Commonwealth” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. "Having 600 institutions participating in Card to Culture means our 278,000 ConnectorCare enrollees have improved access to art and culture where they live, enriching their lives. We are proud of our Card to Culture partnership with Mass Cultural Council and we encourage all ConnectorCare enrollees to take advantage of reduced barriers to these cultural opportunities."
In its 9 years of operation, the Card to Culture program has steadily expanded its reach, both in the number of participating organizations and the breadth of communities served. The program continues to grow as more cultural organizations recognize the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
“It’s an honor to celebrate Mass Cultural Council and the 600 cultural institutions who have the vision and determination to make art, culture, learning, and discovery an integral part of everyone’s life, regardless of their economic circumstances,” said Carole Charnow, President and CEO, Boston Children’s Museum. “At a time when there is growing inequality, and many families are struggling to afford basic living expenses, the Card to Culture program gives individuals and their families this wonderful gift. They can treat their child to a play at their local theatre, or visit an extraordinary museum, zoom, aquarium, or historic site, or immerse themselves in a magnificent garden in glorious spring bloom. They can explore, learn, grow, and be inspired, and experience all the cultural riches that our wonderful state has to offer.”
A full list of participating organizations is available online. | 
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