After always finding the bad news about arts funding, some good news landed in the good ole inbox. New York Mayor Eric Adams agreed to restore $111 million in funding to museums and libraries last month—hooray!!!
In April of this year, Mayor Adams proposed a City budget of $111.6 billion, restoring some cuts made last year, that severely impacted 3-K and pre-K programs. The budget proposal maintained some cuts to libraries where reduced service hours had already taken effect as well as some severe cuts to cultural institutions. There were no grains of salt that kept NYC arts and cultural leaders from springing into action. Led by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and joined by numerous leaders from cultural institutions across the city, council members made known their concerns about the devastating impacts such cuts would foster.
On June 30th, the New York City Council approved a revised mayoral budget that restores $53 million to cultural institutions and $58 million in funding to the City’s three library systems. Laurie Cumbo, NY Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs stated, “We know that culture inspires individuals, strengthens communities, and drives the economy. Now, with another record city investment in this important sector, we in local government are ready to continue partnering with our remarkable cultural community to continue delivering these benefits to residents in all five boroughs.”
“Cultural institutions are drivers of not just the social well-being of cities, but also their economic well-being. It’s vital that the arts and culture sector, which is so central [to] New York City’s identity and success, receives the support it needs to keep the city thriving.”
It’s safe to say that the importance of New York cultural institutions can easily be taken for granted. The grand facades of The Metropolitan Museum or the American Museum of Natural History can give way to thinking that the history and majesty of these places will forever be available for our enjoyment. Even though in New York, the cultural economy generates over $100 billion in economic activity which benefits the city coffers, relying upon streams of support to these institutions can mean the difference between staying open and having to shutter and reduce hours, which in turn reduces the ability to generate revenue. This is not unique to just New York and can be related to most US Metropolitan cities.
Sean M. Decatur, the president of the American Museum of Natural History, put it best in a statement to The Art Newspaper. He said, “Cultural institutions are drivers of not just the social well-being of cities, but also their economic well-being. It’s vital that the arts and culture sector, which is so central [to] New York City’s identity and success, receives the support it needs to keep the city thriving.”
We would venture to say that the arts and culture sector is central to the identity of every major American city, and is not only worthy but deserving of the support needed to keep a city thriving.
Good on you Mayor Adams for doing the right thing!
Mayor Eric Adams and senior administration officials hold an in-person media availability. Joining the press conference are young musicians from Ensemble Connect, a fellowship program for professional players based at Carnegie Hall, created in partnership with the NYC Department of Education. City Hall. Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office, via Flickr.
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