New York City Council
Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
Jan 27, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 59 min
Summary
A hearing on expanding pathways into the arts and cultural workforce for New Yorkers.
Discussions focused on:
- Internship and apprenticeship programs
- Workforce development initiatives
- Strategies to increase diversity in the cultural sector
Key topics included:
- Funding challenges
- The importance of paid opportunities
- Efforts to improve data tracking on program outcomes
- Proposals for a citywide creative job fair
The hearing also addressed issues such as affordable workspace, living wages, and portable benefits for arts workers.
Features testimony from the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), representatives from various cultural institutions, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Carlina Rivera introduces hearing on pathways into arts and cultural workforce
Council Member Carlina Rivera opens the oversight hearing on pathways into the arts and cultural workforce for New Yorkers. She introduces Resolution 720, calling for the New York City Arts …
0:01:02
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4 min
Introduction and Commissioner Cumbo's personal experience in arts careers
Commissioner Laurie Cumbo introduces herself and provides context for her testimony on pathways into arts and cultural workforce for New Yorkers. She shares her personal experience starting with an internship …
0:05:29
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138 sec
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in the cultural sector
Commissioner Cumbo discusses the importance of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in providing opportunities for young people in the arts and cultural sector. The Adams administration has significantly expanded …
0:07:48
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131 sec
CUNY Cultural Corps internship program
Commissioner Cumbo highlights the CUNY Cultural Corps program, which provides paid internship opportunities for CUNY students at cultural organizations across the city. The program aims to give students hands-on experience …
0:09:59
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108 sec
SCI Network NYC STEM internships at cultural institutions
Commissioner Cumbo highlights the SCI Network NYC, a consortium of 8 science-based members of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) that provides high-quality STEM internships to New York City youth. The …
0:11:48
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132 sec
Workforce development programs at individual Cultural Institutions Group members
Commissioner Cumbo details various workforce development programs offered by individual members of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG). These programs provide diverse opportunities for young people and emerging professionals in different …
0:14:01
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3 min
Cultural Development Fund supported workforce programs
Commissioner Cumbo outlines various workforce development programs supported by the Cultural Development Fund (CDF), which provides grants to over 1,000 nonprofits across the city annually. These programs offer diverse opportunities …
0:17:07
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150 sec
Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment workforce initiatives
Commissioner Cumbo discusses workforce development programs run by the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), focusing on creating pathways into the city's creative industries, particularly film and television. - …
0:19:38
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97 sec
Department of Education arts programs and Materials for the Arts initiatives
Commissioner Cumbo highlights various arts education and workforce development programs run by the Department of Education and Materials for the Arts, preparing students for careers in the cultural sector. - …
0:21:16
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102 sec
Economic impact of New York City's cultural sector
Commissioner Cumbo emphasizes the significant economic impact of New York City's cultural sector, highlighting its importance to the local economy and tourism industry. - In 2019, the creative sector had …
0:22:58
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77 sec
Progress in diversity among cultural sector leadership
Commissioner Cumbo highlights the progress made in diversifying leadership across New York City's cultural landscape, emphasizing the increasing representation of people of color in key positions. - People of color …
0:24:15
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43 sec
Ongoing challenges and future opportunities in cultural workforce development
Commissioner Cumbo concludes her testimony by addressing ongoing challenges in the cultural sector, particularly post-COVID, and emphasizing future opportunities for growth and improvement in workforce development. - The city is …
0:24:58
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73 sec
Overview of existing workforce development programs in NYC's arts and cultural sector
Council Member Carlina Rivera provides an overview of existing workforce development programs in NYC's arts and cultural sector. She highlights programs such as the cultural core, b side, roundabout, and …
0:26:14
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114 sec
Tracking progress and metrics for workforce development programs
Council Member Rivera inquires about DCLA's methods for tracking progress and metrics of workforce development strategies. Commissioner Cumbo discusses the current tracking methods and acknowledges areas for improvement. - DCLA …
0:28:08
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150 sec
Apprenticeships and funding in the cultural sector
Council Member Rivera inquires about apprenticeships in the cultural sector and how organizations can access funding to enhance these programs. Commissioner Cumbo and General Counsel Polivy discuss current initiatives and …
0:30:40
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3 min
Proposal for a city program to support internships and apprenticeships
Council Member Rivera explores the possibility of launching a city program to provide financial support for internships and apprenticeships. Commissioner Cumbo discusses existing funding mechanisms and challenges. - Cumbo mentions …
0:33:48
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4 min
Gathering feedback from organizations and young artists
Council Member Rivera inquires about DCLA's methods for gathering feedback from organizations and young artists to shape programs. Commissioner Cumbo explains the current feedback mechanisms. - Organizations submit final reports …
0:38:08
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173 sec
Supporting young professionals from underrepresented communities
Council Member Rivera asks about DCLA's efforts to support young professionals from underrepresented communities. Commissioner Cumbo discusses various programs and their impact on diversity. - Cumbo highlights programs like CUNY …
0:41:03
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3 min
Proposal for a creative job workforce fair
Commissioner Cumbo proposes organizing a creative job workforce fair to connect young people with cultural institutions and showcase various career opportunities in the arts sector. - The fair would bring …
0:44:12
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4 min
Education and resources for copyright, licensing, and intellectual property protection
Council Member Rivera inquires about education and resources provided for copyright, licensing, and intellectual property protection, especially for emerging artists. Commissioner Cumbo discusses available resources. - DCLA itself doesn't provide …
0:48:14
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114 sec
DCLA's response to potential federal rollbacks of DEI programs
Council Member Rivera asks about DCLA's response to potential federal rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Commissioner Cumbo emphasizes the importance of DEI to New York City's identity …
0:50:08
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4 min
Plans to make workforce development information more publicly available
Commissioner Cumbo concludes by mentioning DCLA's plans to make workforce development information more publicly available to the broader community. - DCLA intends to share the compiled information with the wider …
0:54:46
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31 sec
Testimony by Jamel Burgess, Assistant Director of Social Impact Programs at Carnegie Hall
Jamel Burgess presented testimony about Carnegie Hall's youth program, the B-Side, which aims to promote careers in arts and culture for New Yorkers ages 14 to 22. The program focuses …
0:57:14
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159 sec
Testimony by Ian Su, Program Participant from Carnegie Hall B-Side Program
Ian Su, a 19-year-old artist from Queens, shares his experience with Carnegie Hall's B-Side program. He describes how the program provided him with valuable tools, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue …
0:59:58
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133 sec
Council member inquires about program participant's band name
Council Member Carlina Rivera engages in a brief Q&A with Ian Su, a participant from Carnegie Hall's B-Side Program, asking about his band's name. Su reveals he's in three bands, …
1:02:15
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22 sec
Testimony by Dimitri Jackson, Program Participant from Carnegie Hall B-Side Program
Dimitri Jackson, a 22-year-old program participant from Carnegie Hall's B-Side Program, shared his experience as an international student pursuing a music career in New York City. He highlighted how the …
1:02:39
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158 sec
Funding and financial needs of the B-Side program
Council Member Rivera inquires about the funding structure of the B-Side program at Carnegie Hall. David Freudenthal, the government relations director, explains the program's costs and current funding challenges. - …
1:05:31
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152 sec
Program promotion and outreach strategies
Council Member Rivera asks about how the B-Side program is promoted and how it connects with individuals who aren't in high school. Ayanna Cole, Director of Social Impact Programs, explains …
1:08:05
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75 sec
Success stories and program impact data
Council Member Rivera asks about data showing the B-Side program's success. Ayanna Cole provides information on program outcomes and participant achievements. - Close to 90% of participants are either in …
1:09:22
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118 sec
Program expansion plans and alumni feedback
Council Member Rivera inquires about plans for expanding the B-Side program and asks for feedback from program alumni. Ayanna Cole and program participants share their thoughts on future developments and …
1:11:21
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5 min
Testimony by Erin Prada, Assistant Director of Youth Development at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Erin Prada from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) testified about their youth development programs and the SCI Network NYC collaboration. She highlighted WCS's role in employing youth and providing educational …
1:18:54
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5 min
Testimony by Yandel Ramirez, Student Intern at Bronx Zoo
Yandel Ramirez, a 17-year-old student from the Bronx, shares his experience as an intern in the Project True program at the Bronx Zoo. He describes the valuable skills and knowledge …
1:23:55
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121 sec
Testimony by La-Tia Morris, Youth Initiatives Coordinator at American Museum of Natural History
La-Tia Morris shares her journey from a high school intern to the Youth Initiatives Coordinator at the American Museum of Natural History, highlighting the impact of the museum's youth programs …
1:26:03
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145 sec
Testimony by Albeliza Perez, Senior Manager of Youth and Workforce Development at American Museum of Natural History
Albeliza Perez, Senior Manager of Youth and Workforce Development at the American Museum of Natural History, testified about the museum's workforce development programs and their impact. She shared her personal …
1:28:33
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3 min
Testimony by Laura Velázquez, STEM Engagement Coordinator at New York Hall of Science
Laura Velázquez, STEM Engagement Coordinator at the New York Hall of Science, shared her journey in STEM education and the impact of programs like the SCI Network on her career. …
1:31:40
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3 min
Testimony by Eryn Hatzithomas, Assistant Director of HR & Engagement at Queens Botanical Garden
Eryn Hatzithomas from Queens Botanical Garden discusses their internship programs and community engagement efforts, highlighting the organization's role in providing environmental education and job skills to youth in Queens. - …
1:34:44
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171 sec
Discussion on tracking higher education enrollment and career placement in STEM fields
Council Member Rivera inquires about how the program tracks higher education enrollment or career placement in STEM fields. Erin Prada from WCS responds, explaining their alumni tracking process and the …
1:37:59
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132 sec
Discussion on the role of participant feedback in shaping future programs
Council Member Rivera asks about the role of participants' feedback in shaping future iterations of the program. Albeliza Perez from the American Museum of Natural History responds, explaining their feedback …
1:40:11
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73 sec
Testimony by Jennifer D'Bella, Director of Education at Roundabout Theater Company, on Theatrical Workforce Development Program
Jennifer D'Bella, Director of Education at Roundabout Theater Company, testifies about the Theatrical Workforce Development Program (TWDP), a 3-year vocational training fellowship for young New Yorkers in technical theater. She …
1:42:32
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128 sec
Testimony by Manuel Marroquin, TWDP Technical Fellowship Alumni from Roundabout Theatre Company
Manuel Marroquin, an alumnus of Roundabout Theatre Company's TWDP Technical Fellowship, shares his journey from joining the program to becoming a successful stagehand on Broadway. He highlights how the program …
1:44:43
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115 sec
Testimony by Jacob Smith, TWDP Admin Fellow at Roundabout Theatre Company
Jacob Smith, a TWDP Admin Fellow at Roundabout Theatre Company, shares his experience with the fellowship program and its impact on his professional development in the arts sector. He highlights …
1:46:39
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132 sec
Testimony by Hannah D'Amico, International Representative of IATSE Education and Training Department
Hannah D'Amico from IATSE Education and Training Department testifies about the importance of exposing students to behind-the-scenes careers in theater and the impact of their Hidden Career Path Days program. …
1:48:54
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179 sec
Discussion on wages and support for program fellows
Council Member Carlina Rivera inquires about wages and support provided to fellows in the Roundabout Theatre Company's program. Program representatives explain the earn-to-learn model, highlighting wage growth and successful transitions …
1:52:02
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55 sec
Explanation of mentor selection process and program guidance
Council Member Rivera inquires about the selection of EAC mentors and the guidance provided throughout the program. Representatives from IATSE and Roundabout Theatre Company explain the collaborative mentor selection process …
1:52:59
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121 sec
Testimony by Kimberly Olsen, Executive Director of New York City Arts and Education Roundtable on Arts Workforce Development
Kimberly Olsen, Executive Director of the New York City Arts and Education Roundtable, testified on the importance of workforce development in the arts and culture sector. She highlighted the significant …
1:56:25
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162 sec
Testimony by Lisa Gold, Executive Director of Asian American Arts Alliance
Lisa Gold, Executive Director of the Asian American Arts Alliance, testifies about the importance of funding and support for arts workforce development, particularly for immigrant and AAPI communities. She emphasizes …
1:59:12
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135 sec
Testimony by Fran Garber Cohen, Producer of Regina Opera Company
Fran Garber Cohen of Regina Opera Company testifies about the importance of training for musical artists in preparing them for future employment in New York City. She shares a quote …
2:01:36
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153 sec
Testimony by Stephanie Nantel, Senior Director of Programs at Education Through Music
Stephanie Nantel from Education Through Music (ETM) testified about their organization's role in workforce development for music teachers in New York City public schools. She highlighted ETM's efforts to address …
2:04:12
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3 min
Testimony by Nicole Touzien, Executive Director of Dancewave
Nicole Touzien, Executive Director of Dancewave, testifies about the organization's impact on arts education and career development for youth in New York City. She highlights Dancewave's flagship program, Dancewave Through …
2:07:20
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141 sec
Council member emphasizes importance of arts education and accessibility
Council Member Carlina Rivera acknowledges the challenges in arts education and career accessibility. She highlights the impact of schools lacking arts programs on perceiving arts as a viable career path. …
2:09:43
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33 sec
Testimony by Lindsey Maliekel, Vice President of Education and Public Engagement at New 42 and New Victory Theater
Lindsey Maliekel from New 42 and New Victory Theater testified about their New 42 Youth Corps program, which provides paid workforce development opportunities for young New Yorkers in the performing …
2:11:44
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128 sec
Testimony by Kate Madigan, Representative from Public Theater
Kate Madigan, representing the Public Theater, testifies about the theater's efforts to cultivate a skilled, diverse workforce in the American theater industry. She highlights the barriers faced by aspiring artists …
2:13:57
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151 sec
Testimony by Rachel Neches, Data Researcher at Center For an Urban Future
Rachel Neches, representing the Center For an Urban Future, testifies on the importance of strengthening New York City's creative economy and expanding pathways into the arts and culture workforce. She …
2:16:34
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158 sec
Testimony by Courtney Ffrench, Artistic Director of Jamaica Center For Arts and Learning
Courtney Ffrench, Artistic Director of Jamaica Center For Arts and Learning, shared the story of Daniel, a young man who started as a volunteer and developed technical skills, leading to …
2:19:20
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170 sec
Council Member Rivera reflects on program impact and inspiring stories
Council Member Carlina Rivera shares her thoughts on the impact study and the inspiring story of Daniel shared by the previous speaker. She emphasizes the importance of creating environments that …
2:22:12
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64 sec
Testimony by Ava Kinsey, Director of Education at Brooklyn Academy of Music
Ava Kinsey, Director of Education at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), testified about BAM's arts administration after-school programs for high school seniors and young adults. She highlighted the success …
2:24:04
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3 min
Testimony by Karen Jolicoeur, Executive Director of Creative Art Works, on Arts Workforce Development Programs
Karen Jolicoeur, Executive Director of Creative Art Works, testifies about the importance of creative workforce development programs for New York City youth. She highlights CAW's public art youth employment programs, …
2:27:14
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158 sec
Testimony by Lyndsay Werking-Yip, Director of Development at American Composers Orchestra
Lyndsay Werking-Yip, Director of Development at American Composers Orchestra (ACO), testifies about ACO's role in creating pathways for New Yorkers to pursue careers in the arts. She highlights ACO's national …
2:29:57
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138 sec
Testimony by Trevor New, Violist, Composer, Educator, and Developer of Music Technology from American Composers Orchestra
Trevor New, a multifaceted musician associated with the American Composers Orchestra (ACO), testified about the importance of supporting artists creating new work and how ACO has empowered him in his …
2:32:21
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165 sec
Council member emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom and risk-taking
Council Member Carlina Rivera expresses her support for artists' ability to take risks and create according to their vision. She acknowledges the value of the opportunity given to the previous …
2:35:06
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14 sec
Council member highlights importance of location and commits to expanding support
Council Member Carlina Rivera emphasizes the significance of location in arts programs and expresses the council's commitment to supporting and expanding these initiatives. - Highlights the importance of iconic locations …
2:35:20
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30 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson advocates for increased funding and initiatives to engage young African American men (ages 18-34) in the arts as a means to reduce violence and crime in the …
2:36:17
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130 sec
Testimony by Lucy Sexton, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Culture and Arts, on Cultural Workforce Development
Lucy Sexton, representing New Yorkers for Culture and Arts, addressed the NYC City Council's cultural affairs committee on the critical issues facing the cultural workforce in New York City. She …
2:39:23
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124 sec
Testimony by Psacoya Guinn, Interim Director of Education and Community Engagement at New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW)
Psacoya Guinn, Interim Director of Education and Community Engagement at New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW), testified about NYTW's education programs and fellowships that prioritize equity and opportunity in the arts. …
2:41:38
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107 sec
Testimony by Melody Capote, Executive Director of Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI)
Melody Capote, Executive Director of CCCADI, testified about innovative pathways for underrepresented communities to enter the arts and cultural workforce. She highlighted CCCADI's entrepreneurial assistance center for artists of color, …
2:43:36
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128 sec
Testimony by Tony Mazzocchi, Executive Director of Kaufman Music Center
Tony Mazzocchi, Executive Director of Kaufman Music Center, testified about the importance of music education and the challenges in accessing it. He highlighted Kaufman Music Center's programs addressing inequities in …
2:46:01
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125 sec
Testimony by Bortriramkamanis Qucano Nur, Representative
Bortriramkamanis Qucano Nur emphased the importance of indigenous living traditions in the diaspora and the need for support in the cultural and arts creative sector. The testimony highlighted her organization's …
2:48:20
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128 sec
Testimony by Sarah Calderón, Executive Director of Creatives Rebuilding New York
Sarah Calderón, Executive Director of Creatives Rebuilding New York (CRNY), testified about CRNY's $125 million statewide initiative to promote financial stability for New York artists and organizations. She highlighted their …
2:50:45
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138 sec
Testimony by Terry Greiss, Executive Director of Irondale Ensemble Project
Terry Greiss, Executive Director of Irondale Ensemble Project, presents testimony on two of their signature youth programs: TechTrack and STEM TO STEAM. These programs focus on teaching theater and communication …
2:53:15
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142 sec
Testimony by Patricia McGregor, Artistic Director of New York Theatre Workshop
Patricia McGregor, Artistic Director of New York Theatre Workshop, shares her personal experience as a fellowship recipient and advocates for the importance of fellowship programs in the arts. She highlights …
2:55:45
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162 sec