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Date: 7/19/2023
CHICOPEE — A crowd filled the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning library in Chicopee on July 11 for the community launch of the Cultural Equity in Tourism bill sponsored by state Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) and state Rep. Patricia Duffy (D-Holyoke).
Emily Ruddock, executive director of Masscreative — a statewide advocacy and organizing group on behalf of the organizing center — shared that the importance of the bill comes from the last few years during COVID-19.
“[COVID-19] has challenged all of us and it has challenged the creative sector quite a bit,” she said.
Last fall, Masscreative traveled around Massachusetts and met with cultural leaders, artists, creative workers and advocates to talk about the new challenges and what could be done to fix them.
Through that, this idea was born, Ruddock shared. “Making sure that tourism in Massachusetts and marketing in Massachusetts included our most hidden gems and made sure to lift up the economic benefits that come with tourism to every corner of Massachusetts,” she added.
She explained that this bill will create a Cultural Equity in Tourism grant fund administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and would prioritize geographic diverse spaces, culturally diverse spaces and communities and populations that are not always lifted.
“It would be eligible for nonprofit cultural groups, historic spaces and some creative businesses,” Ruddock said. It would also be in coordination with the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Oliveira said, “We have an opportunity now with this bill to promote regional equity, cultural and artistic experiences.”
He shared that it is important for everyone to rally around this bill and urge state representatives and state senators to sign on as cosponsors.
Although it has not gone before the committee yet, Oliveira said he is hoping that it will soon.
According to information provided from Oliveira’s office, tourism was the third-largest industry in Massachusetts prior to the coronavirus pandemic. “In 2020, spending by domestic and international visitors totaled $10 billion. Throughout Massachusetts, there are amazing and impactful historical sites, arts organizations and cultural events that elevate the diversity and vibrancy of our commonwealth,” his office shared.
The bill would support tourism marketing and promotional expenses for arts and cultural organizations and prioritize “amplifying” the stories of historically marginalized or underrepresented cultures.
Oliveira’s office added, “By increasing local and regional tourism to more culturally diverse spaces and events, Massachusetts can support economic vitality for everyone.”