I am proud to sponsor S.2201, An Act relative to an arts license plate, which aims to showcase the work of Bay State artists and create a stable revenue stream for the Massachusetts Cultural Council. This bill would make an arts license plate available for a fee of $50, with the design provided by a council-run artist competition and the money directly benefitting the council. These plates will allow residents to express their pride in the state’s renowned art scene while also supporting it financially.

Massachusetts is renowned for its vibrant arts community, and many contemporary artists are able to create and inspire thanks to funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. I have a deep personal connection to the arts, as my involvement with the Nauset High School Select Choir shaped my high school experience and led me to get involved in local politics for the first time to fight for the jobs of the school’s arts teachers. The arts have benefitted countless others in similar ways because of their unique ability to inspire complex ideas and emotions and bring diverse groups of people together in a community. 

Funding for the arts benefits everyone, as it helps artists create and perform for communities that enjoy their work. Arts license plates will supplement the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s current funding, enabling even more artists to practice and inspire. It is always important to remember the contributions made by artists to our local communities and economies, and that we continue to support the flourishing Massachusetts arts and culture community.

To read more about this legislation, check out this Cape Cod Times article.