PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Cynthia Carrion, Director of Government and Community Affairs at El Museo del Barrio
1:48:10
·
140 sec
Cynthia Carrion from El Museo del Barrio discusses the impact of public space activation on community engagement and local economies. She highlights successful programs like the 3 Kings Day parade and uptown bounce block parties, while also addressing challenges such as costly permits for city-owned spaces.
- Recommends reducing or subsidizing Department of Buildings permit costs for programming in city-owned spaces, especially for nonprofit cultural institutions
- Suggests establishing a funding stream similar to the Small Business Services storefront improvement program to help small arts organizations beautify and activate outdoor spaces
- Emphasizes the need for enhanced city support to amplify the impact of community-centered initiatives
Cynthia Carrion
1:48:10
Can you hear me?
1:48:11
Great.
1:48:12
Good morning, Salvador.
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My name is Cynthia Carrion, and I'm here representing and an institution with over 50 years of experience in amplifying and celebrating Latino Caribbean and Latin American culture in New York City.
1:48:27
We are dedicated to making cultural spaces accessible and vibrant for our community from our location in Elvario to larger New York City neighborhoods.
1:48:36
In Brazil, was found has found public space activation to be a powerful tool for bringing our community together and for engaging and energizing local economies.
1:48:47
Our programs, including the annual 3 Kings Day parade, and our uptown bounce block parties, one of which this past summer was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Fanya All Stars, has brought life and excitement to our neighborhood.
1:49:02
These events are not only cultural experiences, but also economic drivers for small local businesses, drawing thousands of residences, residents and visitors each year.
1:49:13
Through Open Street permits, these initiatives help connect residents and small visitors each year, creating collaborative atmosphere and strengthening community ties.
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While these events are impactful, they also come with unique challenges.
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For instance, programming in our courtyard despite being city owned space, requires costly department of building permits.
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These additional expenses which can amount to several $1000 limit our ability to activate the space fully and to direct more resources toward community programming.
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To better support arts organizations like ours, I recommend the council and relevant city agencies consider.
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1, reducing or subsidizing DOB permit costs for programming in city owned spaces, especially for nonprofit cultural institutions.
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To establishing a funding stream similar to the small business services stored for an improvement program to help small arts organizations beautify and activate outdoor spaces such as courtyards and facades.
1:50:13
This would allow us to improve the aesthetic appeal of our neighborhood and provide an even more welcoming environment for visitors and residents alike.
1:50:21
Edwards say I was committed to sustaining and expanding these community centered initiatives but enhanced city support would greatly amplify our impact.
1:50:29
Thank you for your consideration.
