MassCreative fights for 'creative community'

Matt Wilson is happy when people think the "arts are nice. But the new director of MassCreative really wants you to think "the arts are necessary.

Since he was hired six months ago, the veteran community activist has been seeding a grassroots campaign to support, strengthen and fund arts organizations "from Pittsfield to Provincetown.

"Our role at MassCreative is to be the advocacy voice for creative institutions and artists, Wilson said from his modest office in Boston. " Art is not just nice to look at. Its necessary for our economic well-being and for building vibrant communities.

MassCreative was established in April as a nonprofit organization with support from The Boston Foundation and Hunt Alternatives Fund to help artists and arts institutions "speak in one voice as unified community on crucial issues including funding, arts education and political support, he said.

With 28 years experience as a campaign and community organizer, Wilson aims to help the artists and institutions of the "creative community" express their needs for resources, funds and political support.

Wilson said MassCreative will have the ability to endorse political candidates who have supported the arts but he doesnt expect to do that during this election cycle.

Leaders of state and local arts organizations are embracing MassCreatives mission of advocacy by providing a unified message.

Anita Walker, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, called the founding of MassCreative a "milestone in our effort to restore public funding for the arts, sciences and humanities."

"Our cultural organizations, artists, and arts educators contribute to the quality of life in our communities every day. We look forward to working with MassCreative to harness the incredible talent and energy of this sector to ensure it gets the support it deserves," said Walker.

Jerry Wedge, executive director of Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts in Concord, said he agreed to help organize a Nov. 1 meeting for Wilson to address local groups. "As arts organizations, were continually looking for ways to grow over time and that obviously includes looking for funds, he said.

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MassCreative fights for 'creative community'