Beverly's Historic Cabot Theater Awarded $200K Gaming Mitigation Grant

BEVERLY, MA — The historic Cabot Performing Arts Center in Beverly was recently awarded the highest amount available through the Mass Cultural Council "Gaming Mitigation Fund" program designed to support venues in competition for shows against the state's resort-style casinos.

Cabot was awarded a $200,000 grant, according to State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem).

"The Cabot Performing Arts Center is one of our region's premier cultural institutions, and I am thrilled to see it receive the maximum funding available through the Gaming Mitigation Fund," Sen. Lovely. "This grant will not only support The Cabot's ability to bring in top-tier performances but also boost our local economy by increasing foot traffic to nearby small businesses and restaurants."

The Mass Cultural Council administers the Gaming Mitigation Fund at the direction of the legislature, providing grants to nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers to help cover the costs of touring shows and artist fees.

These grants are designed to support venues most impacted by the presence of resort-style casinos, which have greater resources to attract high-profile performances with premium fees and accommodations.

Sen. Lovely will once again serve as Assistant Majority Leader of the Senate, marking her fourth term as a member of Senate Leadership.

She also received committee assignments for the session that began in January, including being reappointed as Chair of the Senate Rules Committee and Senate Chair of the Joint Rules Committee. These committees establish and recommend policy procedures for the Senate, consider all orders and petitions referred to it — including those related to recess studies and rules changes — sit concurrently with the House Committee on Rules, and review other matters deemed necessary for the expeditious functioning of the Senate.

"I am thrilled to once again lead the Senate Committee on Rules this session," Lovely said. "I look forward to continuing the work we have done in prior sessions, as well as building upon the efforts of the Temporary Committee on Rules earlier this session, to reinforce the Senate's commitment to transparency, public access, and legislative efficiency."

Sen. Lovely will also serve as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management. She will further serve on the Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming, the Joint Committee on Agriculture, the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, and the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs.

"The work of these committees addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our Commonwealth," said Sen. Lovely. "I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to advance critical legislation that will benefit the constituents of the Second Essex District while also making a meaningful impact across Massachusetts."