Legislators Launch Statewide Listening Tour Exploring the State of the Arts - MCC Press Release
Posted Wednesday June 19 2013 at 06:48 am.
Used tags: advocacy, art, news
Contact: Samantha Schenk (617-722-2015) or Maria Syrniotis (617-722-1604)
Legislators Launch Statewide Listening Tour to Explore the State of the Arts & Tourism in MA.
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development holds public forums to hear ideas from industry and communities.
(Boston, MA) State Representative Cory Atkins (D-Concord) and Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives (D-Newburyport)– Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development—announced today that the Committee will hold a series of public hearings in communities across the state beginning June 21.
The forums are meant to solicit ideas from the arts, cultural, and tourism communities, and the general public, to help the Committee develop policies that strengthen arts, culture, and tourism in Massachusetts. From 2013 to 2014 the committee will visit each to the state’s cultural districts and regional tourism districts, touring some of the state’s cultural institutions and major tourism destinations. Officials from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), and the Regional Tourism Councils (RTCs) will take part in the forums.
“I look forward to visiting different parts of the state and working with the Regional Tourist Councils to promote these areas and the attractions that they offer in an effort to encourage economic growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives.
“Tourism and the arts bring Massachusetts to life,” said Atkins. “People come from all over the world to visit Walden Pond, Tanglewood, the Freedom Trail, and our other internationally renowned destinations. Our artists, dancers, and musicians produce captivating works that produce jobs and showcase the creativity of our Commonwealth. On this tour, our Committee will explore the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Massachusetts, its impact on our economy and our communities, and ways the Legislature can help sustain it for future generations.”
The first series of hearings will be held from June through November in New Bedford, the Merrimack Valley, Metrowest, the Berkshires, and Greater Springfield.
Friday, June 21 2013
New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford
Public hearing begins at 11:00 a.m.
Monday, July 15 2013
Winnekenni Castle
347 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill
Public hearing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday, July 22 2013
Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road, Framingham
Public hearing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday, August 5 2013
The Berkshire Museum
39 South St, Pittsfield
Public hearing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 26 2013
Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 Hall Fame Ave, Springfield
Public hearing from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 4 2013
Franklin County, Johnny Appleseed Trail, and Mohawk Trail
Public hearing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The meetings are accessible and the public are encouraged to attend.
Tourism is recognized as the third largest revenue producing industry in Massachusetts with a $3.6 billion payroll across 124,700 jobs. In 2011, 21.3 million people visited Massachusetts and spent $16.9 billion, according to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Tourist surveys consistently indicate that arts, culture, and history are among the top reasons for choosing to visit our state. Non-profit cultural organizations employ nearly 18,000 Massachusetts residents, generating $28 million in payroll taxes and $1.2 billion in annual in-state spending.
TweetNo comments