About Advocacy Week

Mark your calendars! Creative Sector Advocacy Week runs March 2–6, 2026, with Creative Sector Day at the State House on Tuesday, March 3rd as the centerpiece. This week-long celebration brings together artists, creatives, cultural organizations, and advocates from across Massachusetts for networking, performances, exhibitions, community gatherings, and advocacy events statewide.

Advocacy Week Events

Explore the full lineup of events happening before, during, and after Advocacy Week across the Commonwealth.

How Nonprofits Can (and Can’t) Lobby and Advocate

February 12 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Zoom

Learn more about how nonprofit organizations can legally participate in advocacy and lobbying in this webinar.

Wicked Queer Comedy Open Mic

February 21 | 7:30–9:30 PM | Portico Brewing

This free open mic is for LGBTQ+ artists, local performance artists, or other intersectional folks looking for a celebratory space to bring new material.

A Call for Art: Building Solidarity Across States

February 25 | 7:00–8:00 PM | Zoom

Join state arts advocacy organizations Arts Alliance Illinois, California for the Arts, Cultural Alliance of Maine, MASSCreative, and Minnesota Citizens for the Arts for a virtual organizing huddle.

Listen to Your Elders

January 12 – March 12 | Hopkinton Center for the Arts

Features collages of 18 community volunteers 60 years old or older and the importance of community, connections, and collaboration.

Global Arts Live Presents Ndlovu Youth Choir and Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy & The Celtic Allstars

March 1–5 | Berklee Performance Center

Join Global Arts Live for two concerts and a letter-writing campaign to elected officials.

Sobremesa: Artists, Neighbors, and Cultural Partners Gathering in the Berkshires

March 2–6 | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts

Sobremesa, the time after a meal when conversation lingers, is a gathering led by immigrant artists and cultural workers.

BreakStoryLabs: The Neighbor Method — Break & Bloom Munch & Mingle

March 2 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Fitchburg Public Library

This one-hour munch and mingle is a welcoming kickoff to BreakLabs: The Neighbor Method, a community learning and wellbeing series that treats libraries as information and care infrastructure.

Making Space for Art Community Meeting

March 2 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Warehouse XI

Join Metropolitan Area Planning Council and #ARTSTAYSHERE for a community meeting to learn about affordable artist workspace policies, resources, and how to get involved.

The Dirty Gerund Poetry Show

March 2 | 8:00–9:30 PM | The Dirty Gerund at Ralph’s Rock Diner

Worcester’s weekly Dirty Gerund Poetry Show will host a special community outreach focused night during Advocacy Week.

AANHPI Arts & Culture Breakfast Convening

March 3 | 9:00–10:00 AM | TBD

Fuel up for Creative Sector Day with the AAPI Arts & Culture Collaborative.

Creative Sector Day at the State House

March 3 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Massachusetts State House, Boston

The centerpiece of Advocacy Week — join the third annual public gathering featuring networking, a formal speaking program, meetings with elected officials, and performances and exhibits from Massachusetts artists.

Community Rest Lunch Hour

March 4 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Springfield Cultural Partnership

Join the Springfield Cultural Partnership and The Embodied Leadership Project for a guided lunchtime rest experience during Advocacy Week.

Making Artivism: A North Adams Convening for Creatives in Action

March 4 | 5:30–7:30 PM | MOSAIC Event Space, North Adams

An in-person gathering bringing together local artists, organizers, and culture workers to celebrate art, culture, and creativity and strengthen creative community power.

Speed Painting Social

March 5 | 12:00–1:00 PM | 1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA

Join the Springfield Cultural Partnership, Springfield Creative City Collective, and The Intersection for a relaxed, guided collaborative painting session.

Artist Space Advocacy & Artist Live-Work Space Certification Meetup

March 5 | 6:30–9:00 PM | 76 Atherton Street, Boston, MA

Attend this event to learn about current legislation to achieve affordable, long-lasting artist workspaces in Massachusetts.

Restoring the Feeling Open Aux-Cypher-Artist Market

March 13 | 7:00–10:00 PM | 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA

Open format artist showcase and cypher in Somerville: producers and beat makers play their works while two live mics allow artists to collaborate on the spot and improvise.

Belchertown Community Summit

March 14 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Belchertown Town Hall Auditorium

Community groups, volunteers, and residents are invited to the Belchertown Community Summit.

3rd Thursday’s

March 19 | 5:00–7:00 PM | The Record Co.

Join The Record Co. for a night of free jam sessions, networking, and vibes.

Event Details

• Dates: Monday, March 2 – Friday, March 6, 2026 (with related events spanning February–March)
• Locations: Statewide — Boston, Springfield, North Adams, Worcester, Somerville, Fitchburg, Belchertown, Hopkinton, and more
• Cost: Most events are free

Get Involved

Creative Sector Advocacy Week is your opportunity to celebrate, connect, and advocate for the arts across Massachusetts. Whether you attend one event or all of them, your presence makes a difference. Together, we can elevate the ways that the creative sector positively impacts Massachusetts communities, civic life, and the economy.