June 21, 2016

NEW YORK - Announced today, the City has increased operating support for culture by nearly $17 million, strengthening its commitment to supporting New York's cultural organizations. 

Introducing the first increase to operating support in a decade, Mayor de Blasio increased support of the city’s cultural organizations by $10 million. The $10 million breaks down as $5 million for Cultural Interest Group (CIG) operating support and $5 million to Program Groups (with $4 million going to the Cultural Development Fund for grant making and $1 million allocated for non-CIG energy). 

The City Council also increased several initiatives including a $3 million increase to the Cultural After School Adventure Program (CASA), a $2 million increase to the Cultural Immigrant Initiative, and a $1 million increase to Su-CASA, which brings artists to senior centers throughout the city.  

Please join us in thanking Mayor Bill de Blasio, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer, Minority Leader Steven Matteo, Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, and the entire New York City Council for scoring this major victory on behalf of culture.