On September 30, New York City officials announced five initiatives to support artists, nonprofit cultural groups, and the city’s cultural sector. The programs build on a set of initiatives Mayor Bloomberg announced in April to help the city’s nonprofit organizations survive the economic downturn. The five initiatives are: (1) Curate New York City, offering visual artists opportunities to display their work for free; (2) New York City Performs, whereby the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Parks & Recreation will provide organizations with publicly accessible outdoor space free of charge; (3) JumpStart for the Arts, training up to 50 displaced professionals to apply their skill sets to the nonprofit arts and cultural sector; (4) Artists as Entrepreneurs, providing artists and creative professionals with skills to reach target markets, set financial goals, and develop viable business plans; and (5) Arts Clusters Promotion Program, designed to develop and implement strategic marketing programs and incentives packages to draw audiences into arts communities throughout the five boroughs. “A thriving cultural sector is critical to New York City’s economy, identity and quality of life,” said New York City Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin. “Thanks to our collaboration with NYCEDC, these initiatives will support our vital nonprofit cultural sector in these difficult economic times.” New York’s nonprofit cultural groups generate more than $5.8 billion in economic impact through direct spending. More information on the programs is available at www.nycedc.com.
Posted October 1, 2009
