Change the Story Good Trouble Weather Report: Massachusetts

Summary

In this Change the Story, Good Trouble “Weather Report” episode, Michael Bobbit, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, joins host BC to examine the turbulent climate for arts and social change under the Trump regime. From the erosion of DEI policies to looming threats against public arts funding, Bobbit underscores the urgent need for advocacy and proactive engagement across the arts sector. This compelling conversation offers both a diagnosis of the current cultural storm and a call to action for artists, organizers, and institutions to reclaim their power in the public square.

Bio

Michael J. Bobbitt is a distinguished theater artist. As the Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council, he is the highest- ranking public official in Massachusetts state government focused on arts and culture.Since 2021, he has led the Agency through several initiatives, including the development of its first Racial Equity Plan, d/Deaf & Disability Equity and Access Plan, and Native American & Indigenous Equity Plan; the launch of the nation’s first statewide Social Prescribing Initiative; the securing and distribution of $60.1 million in pandemic relief funding; and the design and implementation of a strategic plan for fiscal years 2o24-2026. Recently, Michael was listed as one of the Boston Business Journal’s Power 50 Movement Makers. He has been appointed by Governor Maura Healey to serve on both the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment and the newly established Massachusetts Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council, and he recently received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa from Dean College. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

He previously served as Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, MA; immediately prior to this he held the same position at the Adventure Theatre-MTC in Maryland for 12 years. While in Maryland Michael led the organization to be a respected regional theatre training company, and a nationally influential professional Theatre for Young Audiences.

Key Moments

[00:01:00] – Michael outlines how DEI is central to Mass Cultural Council’s mission—even if that means rejecting NEA funding.

[00:02:00] – Discussion on government funding’s symbolic and practical importance in ensuring access to the arts

[00:03:00] – Michael warns of the sector’s disorganization compared to housing and gun lobbyists, and calls for operationalizing advocacy.

[00:06:00] – “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”: why the arts sector must get political.

[00:10:00] – Highlighting current efforts: Theater Offensive’s legal action, Center Stage’s resistance work.

[00:11:00] – Summary of Trump-era policies affecting arts and culture—defunding, executive orders, and anti-DEI initiatives.

[00:13:00] – Closing reflections and a call to action to remain engaged and support arts advocacy.

Takeaways

Advocacy is essential: Michael stresses that arts organizations must treat political engagement like fundraising or marketing.

DEI is non-negotiable: The Mass Cultural Council will not compromise on DEI, even if it jeopardizes federal funding.

Government funding sends a message: Beyond finances, it symbolizes societal support for the arts.

The threat is real and accelerating: Ongoing executive actions threaten arts institutions, immigrants, and vulnerable communities.

Artists must mobilize: This is a critical moment for the arts to reclaim its role in social justice and public discourse.

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Notable Mentions

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 People

Michael Bobbit – Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council and passionate advocate for arts and DEI.

BC (Podcast Host) – Host of Change the Story / Change the World, affiliated with the Center for the Study of Art & Community.

Mayor Michelle Wu – Mentioned for speaking before Congress regarding sanctuary cities.

Judy Munson – Composer behind the podcast’s theme and soundscape.

📅 Events

Elimination of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities (Feb 2025) – Disbanded as part of a broader rollback of cultural support.

Executive Order on “Divisive Ideology” (Mar 2025) – Aimed at restricting diversity narratives in federal institutions.

Takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (Mar 2025) – Raises concerns over peacebuilding independence.

Defunding of the National Endowment for Democracy (Feb 2025) – Cuts that threaten democratic arts engagement abroad.

🏢 Organizations

Mass Cultural Council – Massachusetts’ leading arts agency, led by Bobbit.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) – Federal agency under scrutiny for diversity-related restrictions.

Theater Offensive – Boston-based LGBTQ+ arts group engaged in legal challenges to the NEA.

Center Stage (Baltimore) – Mentioned for proactive resistance through arts.

Institute of Museum and Library Services – Facing closure under current administration.

U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) – Subject to federal control shifts.

National Endowment for Democracy (NED) – Facing defunding.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Involved in NEA-related lawsuits.

📚 Publications/Media

Change the Story / Change the World Podcast – Produced by the Center for the Study of Art and Community, focusing on arts and social change.

FreeSound.org – Source for audio effects in the podcast.

Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.