REMARKS
Council Member Carlina Rivera introduces hearing on pathways into arts and cultural workforce
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4 min
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 Space Act, and outlines the importance of affordable art spaces and workforce development programs in the cultural sector.
- Rivera highlights successful programs like CUNY Cultural Corps and Carnegie Hall's B-Side
- She emphasizes the need for equitable access to opportunities in the arts for all young New Yorkers
- The council member acknowledges committee members and staff, and provides instructions for testifying
Carlina Rivera
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Good morning.
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Good morning.
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Hi, everyone.
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I'm council member Carlina Rivera, chair of the Committee on Cultural affairs, libraries, and international intergroup relations.
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Welcome to today's oversight hearing, pathways into the arts and cultural workforce for New Yorkers.
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In addition to our oversight topic, the committee will be hearing resolution number 7 20, calling site topic, the committee will be hearing resolution number 720 calling on the New York state legislature to pass, and the governor to sign the New York City Arts Space Act to promote the development of affordable arts spaces in New York City, which I have sponsored.
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These state level bills sponsored by state senator Julia Salazar and assembly member Joanne Simon would support the creation of affordable arts spaces for nonprofit organizations by using property tax breaks to incentivize owners and developers to establish long term affordable art spaces.
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Affordable art spaces are crucial for preserving New York City's identity as a hub of creativity and cultural innovation, and artists and organizations face mounting challenges in securing inexpensive workspaces.
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We must bolster efforts and further align ourselves with Create NYC, the city's cultural plan, whose goals also include the preservation and development of long term affordable artists, workspace, and housing.
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As a global arts capital, New York City thrives on its vibrant cultural sector, which attracts millions of visitors annually and generates 1,000,000,000 of dollars for the economy.
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We must do more to ensure that nonprofit arts organizations can remain a fundamental part of our city's economic and social fabric.
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Now back to the oversight topic.
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In 2015, New York City took a transformative step forward with the passage of Local Law 46, which calls for a comprehensive cultural cultural plan for our city.
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The result, Create NYC, laid out a vision for a more equitable and inclusive cultural sector.
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This hearing focuses on one of its key goals, expanding pathways into arts and culture careers for people from underrepresented communities.
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Programs like the CUNY Cultural Corps, Carnegie Hall's b side, the SCI Network, SCI Network NYC, Roundabout Theater Company's technical workforce development program, Ghetto Film School, and New York Theater Workshops fellowships exemplify how we can provide people with hands on experience, mentorship, and professional opportunities in the arts.
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These initiatives not only nurture the creative potential of our city, but also break down barriers to careers in a field where diversity is so crucial.
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Internships, apprenticeships, fellowships, and workforce development programs are vital tools for building a foundation for the next generation of leaders and innovators in the arts.
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Yet, disparities remain.
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And while some students can easily access these opportunities, others often face significant financial and logistical challenges.
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It's our job to ensure that every young person in New York City has equitable access to the resources and support needed to pursue their passion in the arts and cultural industries.
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So I want to acknowledge my colleagues on the committee who are present today.
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Council members Carr and Lewis, good morning.
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I would like to thank the committee staff who put together this hearing.
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Christina Yalamati, the committee's counsel.
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Regina Paul, the committee's policy analyst, and Sandra Gray, the committee's finance analyst.
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I also want to thank my own staff, Katie Loeb, my chief of staff, and Eddie Amador, who is my director of legislation.
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I'd like to remind everyone who wishes to testify in person today that you must fill out the white appearance card, which is located on the desk of the sergeant at arms near the entrance to this room, even if you have already registered in advance that you will be testifying in person today.
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I'm also gonna ask my colleagues to limit their questions and comments to 5 minutes.
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As a reminder to all of our witnesses, witnesses, please state your name prior to your testimony for the record.
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I will now turn to committee counsel to swear in the administration.