Q&A
Proposal for a city program to support internships and apprenticeships
0:33:48
ยท
4 min
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 the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) application as the primary mechanism for funding
- The importance of partnership between DCLA, City Council, and other agencies is emphasized
- Rivera expresses interest in creating new initiatives to expand arts and culture workforce opportunities
Carlina Rivera
0:33:48
Have you explored the possibility of launching a city program that provides financial support for internships and apprenticeships?
Laurie Cumbo
0:33:57
The only mechanism that we have is our CDF application.
0:34:02
And so, the CDF, application will go online in February.
0:34:08
And that's going to be an opportunity for arts organizations to decide what type of programs that they want support and funding from.
0:34:16
So, many of the organizations that we listed here, these are CDF award recipients.
0:34:22
So, our CDF award recipients, they are able to highlight for their application that they would like support for their workforce development programs.
0:34:32
And in partnership with the city council, who also has, as you know, discretionary funding, they can also have the opportunity to apply for funding through that process as well.
0:34:43
So, we can do it on our end through the CDF.
0:34:46
They can do it through, the city council effort, through the the discretionary fund that you have.
0:34:52
And, we're able to partner and come together to create that level of funding.
Carlina Rivera
0:34:58
Well, I I say this probably every hearing.
0:34:59
It's very hard for the city council to, like, carve out, like, fund discretionary funding for a different program.
0:35:07
We're always looking to create new initiatives and expand because we truly believe in in arts and cultures as workforce opportunities.
0:35:13
And I've actually been trying for years at this point to create another initiative about this, even before I I had the privilege and honor of becoming the chair.
0:35:21
And I won't I will not quit.
0:35:23
You all have my commitment that I'll keep trying.
0:35:27
I think one thing that we're looking for is a bit bit more of, maybe funding support from the city, especially for, like, youth hands on experience across various facets of museum operations, because that'll expose them to diverse career opportunities.
0:35:41
Mhmm.
0:35:42
And so, the CDF funding is important, but usually that's just to support, like, existing programming that is has proven outcomes, that is successful.
0:35:53
They have the data.
0:35:53
They have the anecdotal.
0:35:55
These are people that are getting placed, that are that are studying, that are doing great things already.
0:35:59
So we're looking to grow that.
0:36:01
Some cultural organizations have found it difficult, to participate in some of the programs.
0:36:08
And as I mentioned, those skills are very transferable.
0:36:10
Right?
0:36:11
Visitor centered communication, data analysis, foundational teaching skills, all of that is transferrable to other industries.
0:36:18
Can DCLA play a role in advocating for the inclusion of the cultural sector in the city's apprenticeship opportunities?
0:36:29
Can we, can we expand that inclusion?
0:36:32
Is that something that we're looking to do?
Laurie Cumbo
0:36:34
We can take it, in terms of, we can take it back to our agency and look at what you're suggesting.
0:36:41
But, similar to the council, it is also very difficult for us to create something outside of the CDF, program in terms of funding.
0:36:51
So, right now, the CDF is the only mechanism MOM, DYCD, Small Business Services, Mayor's Office of Talent, how can we collaborate together to be able to see is there something that we could do to further?
0:37:12
I mean, I would love to see more opportunities where we can see, internships and the arts and cultural sector, of course, be a wider, part of workforce development plans.
0:37:25
Not only here for the city, for the state, and on the federal level.
0:37:29
We need to continue to infuse the arts in terms of all workforce development conversations.
0:37:35
Often when people think of, apprenticeships, they think of construction.
0:37:40
And they think of those sorts of jobs.
0:37:42
We have to reeducate, people in terms of them learning that arts and culture are a viable part, of all workforce development programs and we've had a lot of success.
0:37:53
This administration gets it.
0:37:55
And we are excited to partner with the other, agencies in order to see how can we create a lane just for funding and support.
0:38:04
Can't promise anything, but I can promise you that the conversations will happen.