Michael J. Bobbitt

Michael J. Bobbitt, a lifetime artist and arts leader who has served as the artistic director of the New Repertory Theatre since March 2019, will serve as the next executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, effective Feb. 1, 2021. Bobbitt has been a champion of diversity in the Boston arts scene and will continue to bring those values to the forefront in this larger platform.

“I’m a strong believer in the power of culture and know the arts play a vital role in bettering all lives,” says Bobbitt.

“I'm extremely excited to join the outstanding team at Mass Cultural Council.”

In his new role, Bobbitt will oversee a range of grant programs, services and advocacy for the arts, humanities and sciences in communities around the state.

During his tenure at New Repertory Theatre, Bobbitt prioritized diversity and inclusion in many ways, from diverse casting and commissioning works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) playwrights to launching “In the Wings: Artist Salon,” a virtual series of conversations with artists and educators in the Boston area that primarily highlights voices of color. Under Bobbitt’s leadership, 74% of artists hired in the last year were BIPOC. Internally, Bobbitt instituted a number of antiracist policies that have become a template for other organizations in fighting discrimination.

He has also created safe spaces for artists and arts policymakers of color to heal and discuss change.

This year, Bobbitt has had to navigate the waters of COVID-19 and its brutal impact on the arts and culture space. This will be an ongoing challenge as he begins his work with the Massachusetts Cultural Council. “Massachusetts’ cultural sector is dealing with massive economic devastation from COVID-19, while simultaneously engaging in difficult conversations to understand how to collectively act to promote equity and ensure access for all,” says the organization’s acting executive director/deputy director, David T. Slatery. “Mass Cultural Council is preparing to lead by example, and Michael is the visionary leader we need to guide the sector through this next chapter.”

Mass Cultural Council’s former executive director, Anita Walker, announced in March her plans to retire after a 13-year tenure as Massachusetts’ highest ranking cultural official. After a nationwide search led by Arts Consulting Group, Bobbitt was identified as the preferred candidate, and Mass Cultural Council’s search task force unanimously accepted the recommendation.

“In this role, I will look to everyone involved: the creative community, consumers, citizens and government partners to help the agency catalyze growth and drive robust economic development,” says Bobbitt. “By joining Mass Cultural Council, I hope to broaden and amplify the beneficial impacts of the cultural sector for all who are living, working and learning, statewide.”

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