Key Information about Senate Bill 1866 An Act Relative to the Pilot Artist Entreprise Zones (updated on 3/1/10)

This bill would allow for the creation of Artists Enterprise Zones in Pittsfield, Fitchburg and Lowell. This bill defines artists entreprise zones as economic development zones in a city or town for the economic stimulus of works of art. Essentially artists would get tax exemption for the sale of their works in these zones. This is a pilot program and could be expanded to other cities. It is based on RI's successful program.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

You can testify in favor of SB1866 and/or send in written testimony as this is an important bill for artists of all disciplines. Send written testimony to: Katherine.Ryan@state.ma.us

HOW TO ADDRESS AND WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR WRITTEN TESTIMONY:

HOW TO ADDRESS YOUR TESTIMONY:

Chairman Senator Benjamin B. Downing and Chairman Representative Jay R. Kaufman

Joint Committee on Revenue

Room 34 and Room 413F

Massachusetts State House

Boston MA 02133

Dear Chairman Downing, Chairman Kaufman and members of the Joint Committee on Revenue,

EXAMPLE TEXT:

(PLEASE ONLY USE THIS TEXT AN EXAMPLE- PUT YOUR WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN YOUR OWN WORDS)

I am writing in support of Senate Bill 1866 - An An Act Relative To Establish Pilot Artist Enterprise Zones. This is a needed piece of legislation as artists of all discipines are weighing if it makes sense to stay based in Massachusetts. Many artists are rellocating to Rhode Island because they have such a successful enterprise zone program. This legislation also helps commercial and nonprofit arts organizations, which are usually struggling small businesses.

It would also help provide needed incentives for people to buy works of art and this in turn would help artists earn needed income. A 2009 study on Massachusetts Artists of all disciplines, Stand Up and Be Counted, shows how needed this is (www.artistsunderthedome.org).

[add how this bill would help you and/or your organizations/business etc..]

SB1866 has all the needed ingrediants to help our artists, as well as our cultural and creative economy sectors. Please support it.

Sincerely,

your name, artistic discipline and contact information

To be informed of Massachusetts Legislation that impacts artists of all disciplines and arts small businesses and nonprofits- join the ArtistsUndertheDome.org's free listserv and also see their section on pending Massachusetts legislation.