Mass Cultural Council Awards $7.2 Million to Nearly 400 Cultural Nonprofits Across Massachusetts Historic investment supports organizational stability and growth for arts organizations from Chatham to Heath Boston, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts cultural sector received a major boost this week as the Mass Cultural Council announced $7.2 million in operating support grants to 398 cultural nonprofit organizations across the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts takes a bold step forward for creativity and culture. Just recently, the Mass Cultural Council unanimously approved its Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan, dedicating $34 million to strengthen the Commonwealth’s cultural ecosystem. Furthermore, this comprehensive Massachusetts arts funding 2026 initiative will deliver over 2,200 grants totaling $26.2 million directly to artists, organizations, and communities across the state. Why Massachusetts

Standing Together: Why Creative Communities Must Unite and Speak Up in Challenging Times, and How You Can Help by John Andrews The Power of Creative Solidarity Against Authoritarianism In Essex County and beyond, we at Creative Collective are witnessing a pivotal moment that affects all our creative communities. As allies committed to amplifying diverse voices, we’ve observed how tensions between

Yesterday morning, Creative Collective had the honor of co-hosting a Legislative Networking Breakfast with the Peabody Essex Museum. The breakfast brought together cultural leaders and elected officials from across our region for a vital conversation about the creative economy in Massachusetts, focusing on community support and civic engagement. The Massachusetts creative economy faces unique challenges that require dedicated advocacy and

  The lights dim. A figure stands alone on stage. In front of 133.5 million viewers, Kendrick Lamar doesn’t just perform – he transforms the Super Bowl halftime show into a masterclass in creative storytelling and social commentary. This watershed moment reminds us why supporting creative voices, from global stages to local communities, has never been more crucial. The Power

Investing in Creativity: The Economic Benefits of Supporting the Arts.  By Chris O’Keeffe and Creative Collective Chris O’Keeffe is the founder of OK Creative: The Language Agency.  Have you checked out the recent Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 report? It’s a direct and clear articulation of the power and value of arts-based happenings and a vibrant creator community in our

As the brush strikes the canvas, as the ballet shoes glide over the stage, as the poet pens a heartfelt verse, so does the soul of a nation come alive. Art and culture are more than mere expressions of creativity—they are the threads that weave our lives’ rich tapestry. In a world often caught in the clutches of pragmatism and

The Arts and Culture Advocacy Series features voices in the community who are actively working to promote arts and culture as an essential and valuable part of business, community, and daily life.  Tell us a bit about yourself and what role you play in the creative community? My name is Miranda Aisling (ash-leen), I’m an artist, community organizer, and entrepreneur.

The Arts and Culture Advocacy Series features voices in the community who are actively working to promote arts and culture as an essential and valuable part of business, community, and daily life.  Tell us a bit about yourself and what role you play in the creative community? As Salem’s Planner for Arts & Culture, I strive to elevate and advance

The Arts and Culture Advocacy Series features voices in the community who are actively working to promote arts and culture as an essential and valuable part of business, community, and daily life.  Tell us a bit about yourself and what role you play in the creative community? I’m the Director of the Cultural District and Community Engagement for the Town