CreateNYC: Headlines

The CreateNYC process started with research and discovery, which examined the vast amounts of in depth research and knowledge about the city’s cultural sector.

This was followed by months of intensive public engagement, during which nearly 200,000 residents spoke up to make their priorities in arts and culture heard. Here’s are some of the primary themes that emerged:

NEW YORKERS WANT EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF ARTS AND CULTURE ACROSS THE BOROUGHS.

Arts and culture have positive effects on individuals, neighborhoods, and regions, but these impacts are not evenly distributed. Residents want to see greater support for culture in New Yorkers under-resourced neighborhoods and historically under-represented communities.

BUILD ON OUR STRENGTH.

New York City has a long history of supporting arts and culture which has produced a rich and varied cultural landscape. New Yorkers place a high value on these cultural assets and want to see a healthy, growing cultural ecosystem.

THE STAFF AND LEADERSHIP OF THE CITY’S ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR SHOULD MORE FULLY REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF OUR CITY’S POPULATION.

New Yorkers want to ensure that their communities are reflected at all levels of the city’s cultural organizations—now and into the future.

QUALITY ARTS EDUCATION FOR EVERY STUDENT.

Parents, educators, and students themselves want access to arts, culture, and science curricula and programming—both in and out of school—that reflects the practices, histories, and cultures of all New Yorkers.

NEIGHBORHOOD CULTURE MATTERS.

Residents want to protect and support local organizations that serve local audiences, local or locally relevant artists, and programming that speaks to local histories and identities.

ARTS AND CULTURE ARE FOR ALL.

New Yorkers want to see barriers removed and access increased in order to create, present, and enjoy arts and culture regardless of income, race, ethnicity, age, immigration status, gender identity, and disability identity.

SPREAD THE WORD.

Residents want better, more streamlined ways to access information about cultural programming available across the city.