Hinds Named 2018 Legislative Leader by Arts|Learning
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Adam G. Hinds (D- Pittsfield) received Arts|Learning's 2018 Legislative Leadership Award during the organization's 31st annual Champions of the Arts Advocacy awards ceremony at the Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham on May 30.
"In western Mass, we see firsthand the impact of investing in the arts and artists. With a strong creative economy, we also understand the importance of arts education. That is why the mission of Arts|Learning, the programs administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and strong advocacy overall for the arts are critical for the commonwealth," Hinds said. "For these reasons I am honored to be considered a legislative leader for arts advocacy in Massachusetts."
Arts|Learning is the hub of arts education in Massachusetts and supports the inclusion of a complete arts education for every K-12 student in the commonwealth. The nonprofit believes that when the arts are at the center of the core curriculum, students develop the 21st-Century skills they need to lead fulfilled lives.
"Arts|Learning is pleased to present Sen. Hinds with the prestigious Legislative Leadership Award. This award honors a Massachusetts ;egislator for demonstrating distinguished leadership, support and commitment in the areas of arts, culture, and arts education," said Jonathan Rappaport, executive director of Arts|Learning. "Certainly Sen. Hinds epitomizes the very definition of this Champion of Arts Education Advocacy Award with his strong support of the arts and cultural sector of the Massachusetts economy. We look forward to his continued leadership in supporting the arts and arts education."
Hinds, who is serving his first term in the Massachusetts Senate, is the Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. The committee is tasked with reviewing all legislative proposals concerning tourism, arts and cultural development in the commonwealth.
As chairman of the Tourism Committee, Hinds championed an amendment through the Senate's Fiscal Year 2019 budget debate in May to increase the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s (MCC) funding by $2 million, bolstering Senate funding for programs that support arts, humanities, and sciences in the coming fiscal year. Hinds’ amendment, which funds the MCC at $16 million, represents a 15 percent increase for state support of the nonprofit cultural sector. The MCC is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences, to improve our quality of life and contribute to the vitality of our communities. The agency pursues this mission through grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists.
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