Investing in the Arts Is Investing in Our Future
May 1, 2025
By Executive Director Scott Evans
As we head towards our 350th year at the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, we are reminded of our rich legacy and the vital role of the arts in shaping our community. Recently, I stood in the Massachusetts State House alongside hundreds of artists, educators, and cultural leaders for Creative Sector Advocacy Day. We were there not only to celebrate the power of the arts—but to affirm their essential role in our economy, our communities, and our collective well-being. The room buzzed with passion, purpose, and a shared truth: creative expression is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
State Senator Mike Rush with Executive Director Scott Evans and Director of Development & Communications Angela Lett.
At the Eliot School, we see this truth in action every day. Through woodworking, sewing, painting, and more, people of all ages tap into creativity as a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment. The creative sector has always played a pivotal role in bringing people together, lifting up communities, and sharing new ideas. It challenges the status quo and acts as a disruptor, creating “good trouble” that fosters dialogue and inspires change.
Our spring and summer programs offer classes for youth, adults, and intergenerational learners alike, providing spaces where imagination and skill-building go hand in hand. We also know that the arts are more than an emotional outlet—they’re an economic engine. The creative sector in Massachusetts contributes over $28 billion annually to our economy, employing tens of thousands across design, media, fashion, fabrication, and beyond.
Woodworking instructor Isaac Gewirth at Creative Sector Day.
In this momentous year, our fundraiser focuses on expanding access to creative opportunities for youth. These are not just art classes—they are pathways to future careers. Our students learn problem-solving, collaboration, and craftsmanship—skills directly relevant to today’s workforce, from trades and technology to education and entrepreneurship. As we celebrate our past, we are committed to ensuring that future generations can continue to speak their truth through the arts.
To continue this vital work, we need the financial support of our community. Your gift helps us reach more young people, offer more free and affordable classes, and build a future where creativity is a right—not a privilege. We can’t do it without you.
Join us as we invest in the next generation of artists, makers, and thinkers. Together, let’s create a vibrant future for the arts.
To learn more or make a contribution, visit our donation page here.