Arts + Policy

Public art can help drive our post-pandemic renewal

Shared cultural displays are 'expressive and democratic' at their core

By Kate Gilbert 0 Comments Mar 30, 2021

A YEAR INTO the global pandemic and the once-familiar roar of people, cars, and activity in Boston is still a memory. The feeling of life in suspension persists. Yet, glimmers of hope sparkle as vaccines roll out, days lengthen, and workers return. Now is the time to imagine how we safely and equitably reopen Boston(...)

Film tax credit backers say they have the votes

Dispute findings of tax expenditure commission

By Bruce Mohl Film tax credit, Massachusetts Legislature 0 Comments Mar 26, 2021

SUPPORTERS OF THE state’s film tax credit, which came under fire this week from a commission examining Massachusetts tax breaks, say they have the votes to pass legislation that would make the tax credit permanent. The credit, which under current law is scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2023, provides a tax credit equal to(...)

13 views on how the pandemic will shape the future

One year after COVID hit, taking stock of the ‘new normal’

By CommonWealth Staff 0 Comments Mar 9, 2021

IT WAS A YEAR AGO this week that it became clear how completely our world would be turned upside down. After mounting global concern about a deadly new respiratory illness originating in China, the novel coronavirus, as we initially referred to it, established a firm foothold in the US and the country was soon in(...)

Meet Michael Bobbitt, state’s new arts leader

‘Arts and culture is inherently a social justice medium’

By Bruce Mohl 0 Comments Feb 8, 2021

THE LIFE STORY of Michael Bobbitt is probably very similar to what he would like to replicate for residents statewide as he takes over as the executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Bobbitt, as a young boy growing up in Maryland just outside Washington, DC, was exposed to the arts, took a strong interest,(...)

There are many Amanda Gormans out there

Unique and powerful voices are all around us

By Jessica Drench Arts and creativity 0 Comments Feb 4, 2021

RIGHT NOW, poetry has our attention. On January 20, Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in US history, performed her breathtaking poem The Hill We Climb in front of 40 million viewers. The power and sublime beauty of her words, the grace of her poetic hand gestures, and the brilliance with which she captured this(...)

As BSO, Boch Center struggle, fundraising takes off

Local cultural institutions await rollout of $15b in grants

By Bruce Mohl Arts and Culture 0 Comments Jan 27, 2021

TWO OF BOSTON’S leading cultural institutions had their best fundraising years ever last year as patrons rushed to help fill a void created by COVID-19. “We’ve raised more money now than when we were open,” said Josiah Spaulding, the president and CEO of the Boch Center, which has been shut down since March 12. “The(...)

The intersection of race, COVID-19, and the arts

BAMS Fest founder Catherine Morris sees peril – and opportunity – in the moment

By Shira Schoenberg BAMS Fest, Catherine Morris 0 Comments Jan 2, 2021

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has had a disproportionate impact on the black community, at the same time as a national reckoning on race relations called attention to societal ills stemming from systemic racism. The economic displacement caused by COVID-19 has also particularly hurt artists, who are often part of the gig economy. What does this unique(...)

Boston - May 08: Beautiful spring day at Faneuil Hall

Now is the time to change the name of Faneuil Hall

Our racial reckoning must include an honest facing of our history

By Barry Lawton Faneuil Hall, Marty Walsh, Peter Faneuil 0 Comments Dec 31, 2020

THERE COMES A time when a city speaks as one and acts as one. The planes originating from Boston on 9/11 brought sorrow and pain to our city and the region; residents came together in an outpouring of public support. Again, with the Marathon bombing, Boston responded with heartwarming civic unity. So, too, should the(...)

Shining our light in trying times

A time for faith traditions to unite in common purpose

By Marc Baker and Kevin MacKenzie 0 Comments Dec 26, 2020

OUR SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS teach us that even in the most trying of times, an eternal light shines through and guides us towards building a more just and compassionate society. Thanks to our brilliant, industrious researchers and scientists, the first shots of the coronavirus vaccine campaign in this country are now being administered. Still, America and(...)

Mass. Cultural Council picks new leader

Choice is Michael Bobbitt, Watertown theater artistic director

By Katie Lannan Arts and Culture, State Government 0 Comments Dec 19, 2020

STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of a Watertown theater will in February become the next director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, after a unanimous vote Friday by the council’s governing body. Michael Bobbitt, a director, choreographer, and playwright who came to the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown in 2019 after 12 years serving(...)