Eleni DeSiervo
5:02:16
Good afternoon Chair Rivera and members of the Cultural Affairs Committee and staff.
5:02:21
I'm Melanie Disserva, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
5:02:26
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on the economic and social impacts of New York City's arts and cultural sector and the critical need for city investment.
5:02:34
We are part of 11 arts and arts education nonprofits on the 16 acre campus and a member of the cultural institutions group.
5:02:41
We join our colleagues across the sector calling for a $75,000,000 baseline increase to the Department of Cultural Affairs budget, investing in cultural institutions, programs, artists across New York City.
5:02:53
Cultural is an economic powerhouse bringing in a hundred and $10,000,000,000 or 13% of the city's economic activity.
5:02:59
Collectively, we employ a workforce of 89,000 plus artists, union members, educators, and spend hundreds of millions of dollars investing in local vendors and contractors.
5:03:09
This has ripple effects on our city's economy, keeping New Yorkers employed and our spaces open to continue welcoming our neighbors and global visitors alike.
5:03:18
Cultural spaces serve as civic centers and community anchors.
5:03:21
Studies continue to support the vast health and wellness benefits of the arts, improving mental health, development, and healthy aging.
5:03:28
We see this from our audiences with dementia who attend Lincoln Center Moments, fostering meaningful engagement, emotional well-being, and a sense of community among its participants.
5:03:39
Additionally, an education in the arts has been proven to help with student engagement, developing interpersonal skills, reduce stress, improving focus, boosting academic achievement.
5:03:49
Annually, tens of thousands of New York City Students are served by the 11 organizations serving in schools, experiencing the magic at Lincoln Center, and in community spaces in many of your districts.
5:04:00
We know what attracts people to New York City and keeps New Yorkers is the buzzing energy of its cultural and arts ecosystem.
5:04:07
Now more than ever, it is important to invest in this sector.
5:04:11
Funding culture brings citywide economic resiliency and growth.
5:04:15
Invests in tourism, encourages community, and lays the foundation for an equitable and educated New York City.
5:04:21
Thank you again for your time and for helping secure New York City standing as the heart and center of arts and culture in The United States.
