File #: Res 1283-2008    Version: * Name: Ensure the equitable distribution of funds to cultural organizations.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
On agenda: 2/27/2008
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the Department of Cultural Affairs to ensure the equitable distribution of funds to cultural organizations, greater transparency in the funding of these organizations and diverse representation within all entities that determine funding to cultural organizations.
Sponsors: Letitia James, Gale A. Brewer, John C. Liu, Thomas White, Jr., Albert Vann
Council Member Sponsors: 5

Res. No. 1283

 

Resolution calling upon the Department of Cultural Affairs to ensure the equitable distribution of funds to cultural organizations, greater transparency in the funding of these organizations and diverse representation within all entities that determine funding to cultural organizations. 

 

By Council Members James, Brewer, Liu, White Jr. and Vann

 

Whereas, Cultural organizations make invaluable contributions to the character and vitality of New York City; and

Whereas, Such organizations, including performing and visual arts groups, have a positive impact upon the educational resources and economy of local communities; and

Whereas, Artists and cultural organizations have historically faced many financial challenges and struggle to maintain space to create and disseminate their work; and

Whereas, Of the City’s various cultural groups, those that display, employ, and highlight the work of artists of color have suffered most severely from a lack of funding; and  

Whereas, The Cultural Equity Group (CEG) and the Coalition for Equity in Culture and Arts (CECA) are comprised of cultural organizations that serve primarily African, Hispanic and Asian American communities, and seek to assure that emerging, small and mid-sized cultural organizations of color are fairly funded; and

Whereas, CEG and CECA report that cultural offerings are not readily available in all communities throughout the City, and that information about many cultural opportunities that are available through grants or other financial assistance is not widely disseminated within certain communities or evenly distributed among all communities; and 

Whereas, Cultural institutions of color, such as the Billie Holiday Theater, the Cecil Alonzo Theater, the Paul Robeson Theater and the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, showcase the talent and history of African American artists, and require technical assistance and support, as well as performance and exhibition space; and   

Whereas, It is imperative that information regarding grant opportunities and financial assistance is made available to all cultural groups and organizations in the City; and

Whereas, The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) administers public funding to non-profit cultural organizations throughout the five boroughs; and

Whereas, Transparency in all facets of DCA’s grant making processes, including how grant making panels are composed and distribution of grants by borough, district and cultural or artistic discipline, would result in a more fair grant giving process; and

Whereas, All entities determining which cultural organizations receive funding should be comprised of diverse members; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Department of Cultural Affairs to ensure the equitable distribution of funds to cultural organizations, greater transparency in the funding of these organizations and diverse representation within all entities that determine funding to cultural organizations. 

 

R.C.

LS#4456

2/21/08