麻州文化會為EBT卡持有者提供了300萬人次欣賞文藝機會

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州文化委員會（Mass Cultural Council）今（8）日宣布，旗下的「持卡看文化」（Card to Culture）計畫達成兩大重要里程碑：合作文化機構已突破 600 家，累計為州內弱勢族群提供超過 300 萬次免費或低價的藝術文化入場機會。           該計畫旨在打破經濟門檻，確保藝術體驗不是特權，而是所有麻州居民都能平等享有的權利。麻州文化委員會代理執行主任大衛·斯萊特里（David T. Slattery）表示：「我們致力於讓每個人都有機會在社區中創造並體驗文化，這項成果證明了文化組織對平等願景的共同承諾。」             自 2017 年啟動以來，該計畫透過與麻州過渡援助部（DTA）、婦女嬰兒兒童營養計畫（WIC）及麻州健康連接器（Health Connector）的跨部門合作，讓持有 EBT 或相關卡片的民眾能走進劇院、博物館及各類藝文場所。           在600多家參與計劃機構中，亞裔組織有波士頓的包氏文藝中心 (Pao Arts Center)，波士頓華埠社區中心(BCNC)，亞裔劇作家集體 (Asian American Playwrights Collective)，大波士頓中華文化協會 (GBCCA)。 Card to Culture Program Surpasses 600 Participating Organizations, Delivering over 3 Million Admissions

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.