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Futurecity Initative Looks To Unite Arts And Development In Springfield

WAMC

The three largest cities in Massachusetts are participating in a new initiative to put culture and the arts at the core of economic development.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council has hired London-based Futurecity to develop unique strategies for Boston, Worcester, and Springfield to use cultural assets, not just as passive attractions, but to spur job growth.

Mark Davy said he’s excited about Massachusetts being his firm’s first work in the U.S.

" What you are beginning to see worldwide is the sense that creative districts and places are attracting businesses who want to relocate to interesting  and authentic places," said Davy. " I do believe this the time of the smaller city."

Plans for the three cities will be presented in the fall.

The record-setting tenure of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The 2011 tornado and its recovery that remade the largest city in Western Massachusetts. The fallout from the deadly COVID outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Those are just a few of the thousands and thousands of stories WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill has covered for WAMC in his nearly 17 years with the station.