Executive Order  No. 631: Establishing a Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council

WHEREAS, the Healey-Driscoll Administration recognizes that investment in arts builds communities, creates jobs, beautifies our state, focuses the public’s attention on important issues, and helps us imagine new frontiers and possibilities; 

WHEREAS, cultural organizations in Massachusetts offer more than 49,000 public events each year; 

WHEREAS, Massachusetts has 135,000 jobs that are linked to the arts and culture; 

WHEREAS, 75 percent of Massachusetts residents participate in at least one cultural event each month; 

WHEREAS, the cultural sector represents more than 4 percent of the state’s economy; 

WHEREAS, activities that promote culture help to improve the quality of life and well-being of our communities; and   

WHEREAS, promoting the arts is a priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, Part 2, c. 2, § I, Art. I, do hereby order as follows: 

Section 1. There is hereby established within the Office of the Governor a Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council.  The Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council will be charged with exploring policies that support artists, cultural workers, and arts organizations while promoting cultural equity in the arts; examining ways to create economic opportunities in the arts and culture sector; and recommending to the Governor a cultural development and jobs plan. 

Section 2.  The Council shall be comprised of the Secretary of Economic Development or their designee, who shall serve as chair; the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, or their designee, who shall serve as vice-chair; the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, or their designee, and up to 15 additional members appointed by the Governor who shall represent a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds from stakeholders in the Commonwealth’s arts and culture sector.  Members so appointed shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and without compensation. 

Section 3.  The Secretary of Economic Development shall designate staff to support the work of the Council.  Such staff may attend Council meetings as observers and participate at the discretion of the Chair. 

Section 4.  The Council shall meet as often as the Chair directs and shall provide the Governor with specific recommendations for a cultural development and jobs plan no later than September 30, 2024. 

Section 5.  Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to require action inconsistent with any applicable state or federal law. 

Section 6.  This Executive Order shall take effect upon execution and shall continue in effect until the Council has delivered its report recommendations to the Governor.