RFPS TO PERFORM & EXHIBIT AT CREATIVE SECTOR DAY
Image of a performer at Creative Sector Day 2025. Photography by Steph Craig Studios.
MASSCreative seeks artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses across disciplines to join us as featured exhibitors and performers during the 2026 Creative Sector Day at the State House on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Creative Sector Day at the State House is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that artists, creatives, sector leaders, and cultural organizations make in Massachusetts. Throughout the day, we will stage performances, displays, and demonstrations by members of the creative sector in the Great Hall and the Grand Staircase areas of the State House. Performances and displays will be open to the public from 1 - 3 PM and all selected participants will receive a $300 stipend for their work.
Only Massachusetts-based artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses are eligible to apply to perform or exhibit at Creative Sector Day.
Applications will be reviewed and selected by an advisory group consisting of artists residing in Massachusetts. The deadline to submit a RFP is Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 5 PM.
Please see below for additional deadlines and guidelines for proposals.
TIMELINE FOR PROPOSALS:
December 16th: Applications open
January 14th at 5PM: Applications close
January 15th - 23rd: Applications reviewed
January 27th: Applicants notified of status
January 30th: Deadline to accept offer to participate
RFP GUIDELINES:
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Massachusetts Residency: Because Creative Sector Day at the State House is celebrating the contributions of artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses in Massachusetts,we are only considering applications from individuals and groups who reside or are headquartered in Massachusetts. You must have a valid residential or business address in Massachusetts to be considered.
All performances will take place in the Great Hall in the State House. There is a slightly raised stage and chairs will be assembled in front of the playing space.
No materials can be affixed to the walls of the State House, and we cannot provide easels for set pieces, props, etc.
Open flame is prohibited in the State House.
Weapons or any materials that could be used as a weapon are prohibited. This includes banners with long sticks, flag poles, and most tools (hammers, saws, etc.).
We seek performances across art forms and disciplines. During the selection process, we work to balance accepted proposals based on a diversity of disciplines.
We will have audio/amplification support for all performers.
Performances should be approximately 3 minutes in length, and each group will have 2 minutes for setup and 2 minutes for breakdown.
As a statewide event, we seek applications from every region of the Commonwealth and will select proposals with an eye toward geographic equity.
There is no “backstage” or “Green Room” available. There are public restrooms for those who wish to change into performance attire or costumes.
Download the guide below to preview all of the application questions before preparing your submission.
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Massachusetts Residency Requirement: Because Creative Sector Day at the State House is celebrating the contributions of artists, cultural organizations and creative businesses in Massachusetts, we are only considering applications from individuals and groups who reside or are headquartered in Massachusetts.
Exhibit location and considerations: All displays and demonstrations will take place in the Great Hall and in front of the Grant Staircase. The flooring is marble, and there are tables available for displays.
No materials can be affixed to the walls of the State House and we cannot provide easels for set pieces, props, etc.
Open flame is prohibited in the State House.
Weapons or any materials that could be used as a weapon are prohibited. This includes banners with long sticks, flag poles, and most tools (hammers, saws, etc.).
Exhibitors are not permitted to sell items or otherwise conduct commercial activities at the State House. The purpose of this opportunity is to demonstrate creative work and practices only.
Exhibitors will have from 12:30 PM - 1 PM to set up and we ask that participants stay until 3 PM when we must be out of the Great Hall and Grand Staircase.
We seek exhibits and demonstrations across art forms and disciplines. During the selection process, we work to balance accepted proposals based on a diversity of disciplines.
As a statewide event, we seek applications from every region of the Commonwealth and will select proposals with an eye toward geographic equity.
There is no “backstage” or “Green Room” available to store materials or artwork.
Download the guide below to preview all of the application questions before preparing your submission.
Download the Exhibit Application Questions here.
RFPS TO PERFORM
Application Outline for Performance Proposals
Download the performer application outline to prepare your responses before submitting your proposal.
APPLY TO PERFORM:
RFPS TO EXHIBIT
Application Outline for Exhibit Proposals
Download the exhibit application outline to prepare your responses before submitting your proposal.
APPLY TO EXHIBIT:
