Q&A
Gathering feedback from organizations and young artists
0:38:08
ยท
173 sec
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 on their funded programs, providing valuable feedback
- Cumbo conducts on-site visits to see programs in action
- Local arts councils serve as a critical link between DCLA and the arts community
Carlina Rivera
0:38:08
Well, how do you gather feedback from the organizations and particularly from young artists to shape programs that better address address their needs and challenges?
Laurie Cumbo
0:38:21
Thank you for that question.
0:38:22
That's something that we
Lance Polivy
0:38:24
I'm everywhere all the time.
0:38:26
Mhmm.
Laurie Cumbo
0:38:27
I think that one of the main ways that we have the the main tool that we have are our organization's final reports.
0:38:34
So, every organization that is funded by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs has to issue a final report on the outcomes of the work that they did.
0:38:44
We can then take that information and start to look at it in terms of how organizations are faring with their workforce development, how they're able to recruit, maintain, as well as support interns, as well as apprentices.
0:38:58
But we're also able to see the work in action.
0:39:00
So, part of my role as commissioner is to be on the ground and seeing these programs in action.
0:39:07
I've gone to Roundabout Theater several times to see their programming as well as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and their horticulture program.
0:39:15
We've been able to see these programs in motion, and to see how they are developing the next generation of talent, and creatives.
Carlina Rivera
0:39:24
What about young artists, particularly?
0:39:25
Do you get a chance to to connect with them?
0:39:27
I know, we're always looking to I I I know that young artists are gonna say a number of things, including, you know, the affordability issues that that they're facing.
0:39:42
And so they'll ask about, you know, housing and and how to stay in the city.
0:39:45
And I know we're all working on that.
0:39:47
The administration and the council is is a partnership.
0:39:50
Do you gather feedback from young artists?
Laurie Cumbo
0:39:54
Our local arts councils that we support, and I'm so proud of the work that we're able to do, that is our mechanism to be able to support our local arts councils and to make sure that they have, mechanisms and tools to be able to provide technical resources, to be able to provide, pathways to careers and opportunities in the arts.
0:40:15
So, our 5 local arts councils are the critical way that we do that, that we provide that technical service, that they're able to communicate with the artists that they support.
0:40:25
Many artists come to the Arts Councils for everything from, job opportunities to looking for, workforce development programs, as well as, making artists aware of housing opportunities that the city is offering.
0:40:40
We make sure that we not only support our local arts councils, but that we remain in close communication with them.
0:40:46
We meet annually to discuss their needs and challenges.
0:40:49
And, that's one way that we work with our local arts councils.
0:40:53
But that is our most powerful tool and partner, in reaching our arts community and our individual artists throughout New York City.