Arts and culture are essential for economic prosperity, innovation, creativity, and good health. Culture spurs economic development, enhances tourism, and creates jobs. Join Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt for a presentation and discussion focused on how Massachusetts’ creative and cultural sector is making a significant impact on the state’s economy, especially compared with other major industries. Michael will also provide an introduction to Mass Cultural Council and share information about grant opportunities and other resources offered by the Agency.

Conversation Leader: Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director, Massachusetts Cultural Council

Michael J. Bobbitt is a distinguished theater artist. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council; in this capacity he serves as the highest-ranking public official in Massachusetts state government focused on arts and culture. Since 2021 he has led the Council through various initiatives, including the development of its first racial equity plan, securing and distributing $60.1 million in pandemic relief funding, and drafting a strategic plan for fiscal years 2024-2026. Prior to his current role, Bobbitt served as the Artistic Director of both the New Repertory Theatre and Adventure Theatre-MTC and held professor positions at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Howard University, and George Washington University. His leadership training includes programs at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, National Arts Strategies, Cornell University, LeadBoston, The Partnership, and CAP Collaborative. Bobbitt is a published playwright and an accomplished director and choreographer, with credits at prestigious venues such as Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Center Stage, Roundhouse Theatre, The Kennedy Center, the Washington National Opera, La Jolla Playhouse, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, the Olympics and Off-Broadway at the New Victory Theatre and The NY Musical Theatre Festival. Additionally, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts, including being invested into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre – one of the highest honors bestowed upon American theater professionals – and a Kennedy Center Gold Medallion in recognition of his commitment to the arts and educational theater. This year, Bobbitt was listed as one of the Boston Business Journal’s Power 50 Movement Makers and by Get Konnected! as one of Boston’s Most Influential Men of Color. He was recently appointed by Governor Maura Healey to serve on both the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment and the newly established Massachusetts Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council.

Once registered, you will receive an Outlook invitation with the Zoom information.

This event is for MassEcon members only.

Thank you to event sponsors Bowditch and VHB.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Pete Abair at pabair@massecon.com.