Program Officer, Artists and Youth

EQUITY STATEMENT

Mass Cultural Council is committed to the equitable investment of all resources and to providing leadership that fosters a cultural sector where racial diversity thrives, decolonization is realized, and inclusion, accessibility, and belonging are the norm. The rich diversity of Massachusetts’ communities, residents, and visitors is essential to the Commonwealth’s continued vitality and success.

We believe that seeing the world through multiple perspectives—and bringing those ideas to life—is the responsibility of the cultural sector and its leaders. Mass Cultural Council supports creative voices through co‑created, innovative, equitable, inclusive, and accessible programs and grantmaking.

Our commitment to advancing equity is rooted in meaningful cross‑sector collaboration and partnership. This work centers the leadership, insight, and lived experiences of those most impacted by systemic inequities. Together with these communities, we have developed a suite of equity plans that confront structural barriers and commit us to sustained, measurable action:

• Racial Equity Plan
• Native American & Indigenous Peoples Equity Plan
• Deaf & Disability Equity Plan

Mass Cultural Council is an independent state agency that advances the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector by celebrating traditions and talents, championing its collective needs, and equitably investing in public resources through a wide range of grants, initiatives, and advocacy for artists, communities, organizations, and schools.

Mass Cultural Council envisions a diverse creative and cultural sector that is valued as essential in the Commonwealth.

Mass Cultural Council is leading a statewide effort to advance the cultural sector and position it as a critical asset and essential partner in addressing the Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges. Through strategic partnerships, policy initiatives, and relationship building, the Agency collaborates across sectors—including health, education, housing, transportation, climate, agriculture, accessibility, workforce, and economic development—to expand resources, foster growth, advance equity, and expand the cultural sector’s impact.

This cross‑sector work ensures the sector is embedded in the Commonwealth’s vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient future.

Artists and Youth: Massachusetts artists are at the heart of our rich cultural life. Using form, sound, color, language, and movement, artists help us interpret our past, understand the present, and envision a better future. Their work breaks down barriers and helps us appreciate what it means to be human. That’s why we believe that supporting artists and creativity is essential to our mission.

Additionally, we want to ensure that culture plays a major role in the formation of creative, productive, and independent‑minded young people in Massachusetts. We achieve this by supporting arts education, creative youth development, and fostering organizations and programs that bring culture to students across the Commonwealth. The Artists and Youth team supports the creative growth and development of individual artists, teaching artists, youth, and youth‑serving organizations across the Commonwealth.

The Program Officer advances the goals of Mass Cultural Council’s programs through effective program administration. This role is responsible for supporting the…