Chair Josh Krintzman
Newton City Council Programs and Services Committee

1000 Commonwealth Ave, 

Newton Centre, MA 02459

Dear Chair Krintzman,

On behalf of the Charles River Regional Chamber and the Newton business community, we write in support of the Laredo administration’s proposal to establish a Department of Arts and Culture.

The creation of a dedicated Arts and Culture Department is long overdue. While Newton’s arts community remains vibrant, many organizations continue to face post-pandemic challenges, including audience retention and financial sustainability. A coordinated, citywide approach is needed to support this sector and leverage its full value.

As we have seen in peer communities such as Watertown, a municipal arts department can serve as a critical convening and coordinating body—supporting cultural institutions while driving economic activity towards village centers.

It would also help break down the “arts silo” in Newton by integrating arts and culture into the work of other city departments and strengthening partnerships with local organizations and creatives.

The well-documented role of arts and culture as a driver of economic development is precisely why the Chamber established its own Arts & Culture Committee last year. We strongly encourage the Council to approve this important step forward for the City of Newton.

Sincerely,

Greg Reibman

President & CEO 

Charles River Chamber

117 Kendrick St., Suite 300, Needham, MA 02494

617-799-0550