Legislators Launch Statewide Tour in Salem
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development holds first public forum to hear ideas; announce state grants for arts and culture (Boston, MA)… Senator Jack Hart (D-Boston) and State Representative Eric Turkington (D-Falmouth)—co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development—announced today that the Committee will hold the first in a statewide series of public forums in Salem Monday, September 12. The forums are meant to solicit ideas from the cultural and tourism communities, and the general public, to help the Committee develop policies that strengthen arts, culture, and tourism in Massachusetts. The first hearing will take place at the Hawthorne Hotel and begins at 10 a.m. The Committee will also announce the release of $467,000 in Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) grants for arts, humanities, and science organizations and schools across Essex County. They will also tour some of Salem's renowned cultural institutions, including the Peabody Essex Museum, House of the Seven Gables, and the Salem Witch Museum. Officials from MCC, the Massachusetts office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), and the Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities (MAASH) will take part in the forum. "The Committee was formed last year with the understanding that tourism, arts, and culture are critical to the long-term health of Massachusetts' economy and to our quality of life," said Committee co-Chair Senator Jack Hart (D-Boston). "As we begin work for the coming year, we realize that we can learn much from the talented men and women who lead our cultural institutions, tourism businesses, and community arts organizations." "These hearings will help us understand what role state government can play in ensuring that Massachusetts fully capitalizes on the economic, social, and educational value of its cultural and tourism resources," said Committee co-Chair Representative Eric Turkington (D-Falmouth). "We want to make sure we're doing all we can to foster the growth and development of this key sector of our economy." Two Committee members from Essex County--Rep. John Keenan (D-Salem) and Rep. Steve Walsh (D-Lynn)--will help lead the discussion. "As a passionate supporter of arts and culture, I am delighted to have this opportunity to hear from the talented cultural and tourism leaders across Essex County about how we can support the important work they do in their communities," said Walsh. "The region north of Boston is rich in arts and culture, and tourism is among its chief economic engines," said Keenan. "This hearing will be an opportunity to celebrate our cultural community, and to generate new ideas about how we can help it thrive." Tourism is the third largest industry in Massachusetts with a $3.1 billion payroll supporting 124,800 jobs. In 2003, 27.1 million people visited Massachusetts and spent $11.2 billion, according to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Visitor surveys consistently indicate that arts, culture, and heritage are among the top reasons for choosing to visit our state. In addition, non-profit cultural organizations have a statewide payroll of $247 million with annual in-state spending of $1.1 billion, according to the New England Foundation for the Arts. The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development was established this year by Senate President Robert E. Travaglini (D-Boston) and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi (D-Boston). The Committee has already helped to secure increased state funding for arts, culture, and domestic and international tourism marketing. And it played a central role in drafting groundbreaking legislation currently under consideration that would establish up to $25 million in public private fund to invest in the maintenance, repair and expansion of non-profit cultural facilities. Following Salem, hearings will be held through November in Stockbridge, Provincetown, and Plymouth. Additional hearings will be held in the spring in Boston, Worcester, and other communities. The remainder of the fall schedule is listed below: Mon., Sept. 26 Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge All meetings will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The meetings are public and wheelchair accessible.
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