In this Ask Mayor Morse segment, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse explains how how his proposed director of arts, culture and tourism would fit into the city's budget. Watch video
In this Ask Mayor Morse segment, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse explains how how his proposed director of arts, culture and tourism post would fit into the city's budget.
One key component of the position, which could have an annual salary of $40,000 to $50,000, would be to pursue arts-related funding and grants the city doesn't already go after, Morse said.
"I have no doubt that the city's investment will be returned in grant funding and private development that comes of it," he said.
In a recent Republican article, City Council President Kevin Jourdain said he was "skeptical of creating a new position," questioning whether the price tag on the new position would stop at $40,000 or if there would be additional staffing and other costs associated with it.
The city council has to approve new city positions before they can be established. This proposed post is set to go before the council Ordinance Committee on May 8.
Morse said the position is an important investment because the city can't rely on someone outside local government to drive the agenda in the community.
The proposed director would look at how Pittsfield, Fitchburg and New Bedford have used art to revitalize their downtowns, he said.
This person would also coordinate arts-related events and be "working very closely with my director of economic development to make sure we know how to use art as a catalyst to bring private investment and economic development," Morse said.
"Art, it makes a city an attractive place to do business."