LYNN — The Lynn Auditorium was awarded $250,000 from Mass Cultural Council’s Gaming
Mitigation grant program, making it one of 39 organizations receiving a total of $3.675 million.
Recipients received anywhere from $2,500 to $250,000, with grant amounts based on the percentage of performances featuring touring artists and the amount of fees paid to those artists.
Mayor Jared Nicholson said this grant allows for further opportunities that will take Lynn to new heights.
“The Lynn Auditorium has provided a sense of community for years and has continuously been a place to celebrate and entertain,” said Nicholson. “We are fortunate to have the auditorium and we want to ensure that we are utilizing the auditorium to the best of our abilities.”
In recent years, smaller nonprofit venues, local arts organizations and municipal auditoriums have been priced out of booking live talent because of competition from larger resort-style casinos.
The casinos have an advantage — being able to afford to pay higher talent fees and offer better amenities and accommodations to the artists such as luxury housing.
This state-grant program provides money to these smaller venues to help them be competitive in booking touring artists and entertainment. It was established by the legislature in the Expanded Gaming Act and is funded through casino revenues.
“Having top-tier shows at the Lynn Auditorium is a key driver in enriching our downtown area and spurring economic activity,” said state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). “This funding will help us secure this premier talent.”
The Lynn Auditorium has already booked headline artists for this year, including Nelly and Pitbull.
“We will certainly put these funds to good use and continue to secure top-notch talent here in Lynn,” said Lynn Auditorium’s Executive Director James Marsh.
Marsh thanked the legislature for including the provisions in the gaming law aimed at protecting mid-sized live entertainment venues like the Lynn Auditorium.
State Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn) said while the Lynn Auditorium has brought countless artists and performances to the heart of the city for decades, this grant will “help ensure that the auditorium can continue to attract superb talent for years to come.”
State Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn) said that arts and culture are a vital part of the COVID-19 recovery and this money will go a long way to “support the city’s effort to attract acts that will bring patrons to our restaurants.”
