About

The Hon. Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston with PAAE StaffThe Hon. Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston with PAAE Staff

Public Action for Arts & Education (PAAE) is a charitable organization staffed by volunteers who share a common mission and pledge to assist organizations that can offer positive social and cultural alternatives to our children.

Since 1974, PAAE has bridged the gap between legislative mandate and creative freedom.

PAAE spearheaded essential legislation to help create the Massachusetts Arts Lottery. Funding of this type was the first in our country. The Arts Lottery became Megabucks which channeled more than $40 million into local arts programs, funding over 25,000 arts projects in 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.


From its beginnings, Public Action for the Arts has remained faithful to its mission:

  • Providing an advocacy voice for the arts
  • Making grants to the arts organizations
  • Supporting children's programs
  • Enjoying the Arts


    • EXECUTIVES

    Joseph E. Hill, President
    Harriet R. Sesen, Vice President/Secretary
    Karl F. Stammen, Jr., Legal Counsel
    John Hill, Treasurer

    ADVISORY BOARD

    Jeanne C. Barreta
    Geoffrey T. Chalmers
    Noreen B. Clark
    Maria M. Coviello
    Jim DiCecca
    Henry J. DuLaurence III
    Tom Fallon
    Eric Friedman
    Betsy Frost
    Howard Hall
    Rick Harrington
    Gregory Hill
    Dr. John Jennings
    Frank Licata
    Marion Mandell
    James Martignioni
    Bill Morganti
    Jeanette Molk
    William S. Peck
    John Salesses
    Dr. Elliot W. Salloway
    Susan Smick

    FOUNDERS

    Hanna G. Dermody
    Max Friedli
    Linda C. Hamlin
    Joseph E. Hill
    Jaqueline D. O'Reilly
    Harriet R. Sesen
    William C. Taylor

    IN MEMORIAM

    Elizabeth G. Dunton
    Sonja B. Loew
    William J. McCarthy
    William M. Ryan
    Jacqueline D. O'Reilly