TESTIMONY
Tamia Blackman Santana, Chief Officer of Engagements and Inclusion at Ballet Hispanico, on the Vital Role of Arts and Culture in New York City
5:04:09
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3 min
Tamia Blackman Santana emphasizes the importance of sustaining arts and cultural programming in New York City, particularly for organizations representing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
- She expresses gratitude for funding from the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and City Council that has enabled Ballet Hispanico's culturally inclusive programming.
- Santana advocates for continued support despite potential budget cuts, highlighting Ballet Hispanico's work with school students, public housing residents, and newest arrival families.
- The organization has provided over 1,000 free tickets and resources to underprivileged groups like foster children, Alzheimer's patients, and recent immigrant families.
- Santana underscores the transformative impact of arts access, reflecting on her fulfillment in overseeing these community-centered initiatives.
Tamia Blackman Santana
5:04:09
Hi.
5:04:09
I'm Tenia Blackman Santana, the chief officer of engagement and inclusion of ballet Hispanico.
5:04:16
I am also on the executive arts committee for New York City Public Schools and represent ballet Hispanico for the city cancel newest arrivals strategic force under arts and culture.
5:04:30
Born and raised in New York, I might have a very unpopular opinion, but I just wanna state growing up in New York.
5:04:38
I do see that things are getting better.
5:04:40
And I do see that things are growing, especially in the arts and especially in culture.
5:04:45
I remember growing up when we didn't go to Bam.
5:04:49
Because my single mother was too afraid to to take us out, you know, late night at performances, and now How much it's grown is really amazing.
5:04:58
Now, don't get me wrong.
5:05:00
Please do not cut the budget for arts and culture.
5:05:04
Please increase the budget for arts and culture.
5:05:06
It is vital.
5:05:08
But I but I just wanna give my honest opinion.
5:05:11
I also wanna thank you.
5:05:13
CDF and DCLA for providing the funds that have been so important to Valley Hispanic, the largest Latinx arts institution in America over the past 10 years.
5:05:25
Our partnership with city council members in Casa has allowed us to not only do programming for school students, and their families but extend into public housing and beyond.
5:05:37
As the city considers financial cuts that threaten cultural organizations, I'm here to advocate for the continuation of vital support in particular for organizations of black, indigenous, and people of color.
5:05:51
Like ballet Hispatico that provide important, culturally relevant, inclusive arts, and cultural programming.
5:06:00
As well as those serving are growing newest New Yorkers, all who need care urgently.
5:06:07
As we join together with our fellow cultural organizations and development leaders in regarding the need for sustained ongoing programming We look to the city leaders to support our commitment with dedication through the resources that empower programs like ourselves.
5:06:27
We welcomed newest arrival families like in schools PS Seventy in the Queen's We helped do a holiday drive and dance camps in partnering with organizations like rising ground who fosters the well-being of children who have crossed the border.
5:06:44
Under 18 without their parents in support of DCLA and Our city council members, we were able to give Bien Munitos over a 1000 tickets of free programming.
5:06:59
I feel like I have the best job because I get to oversee that when we go to city center.
5:07:03
But that includes 250 tickets to foster children through ACS.
5:07:10
Adults with the American Alzheimer's Foundation and Casa families.
Justin Brannan
5:07:15
Thank you.
Tamia Blackman Santana
5:07:15
We depend on the New York City for all your support in this 360 agreed mission.
5:07:20
Thank you.
