Res 0934-2025

Whereas, New York City (NYC) is home to many arts and cultural institutions and organizations, which attract millions of visitors from all over the world each year to view the exhibitions and performances presented in museums, theaters, galleries, concert halls, and other performing arts venues; and Whereas, The arts and cultural sector contributes billions of dollars to the NYC economy annually and supports tens of thousands of jobs, including union and non-union jobs; part-time and full-time jobs; skilled and unskilled jobs; and salaried, hourly, contract, and freelance jobs; and Whereas, NYC is an example of a location in New York State (NYS or State) that has a concentration of arts and cultural institutions and organizations, which provide significant economic value and raise the quality of life for its residents, but could provide even more benefits for its workers and neighborhoods with additional NYS support and resources; and Whereas, S.1062, which was introduced by State Senator Jose Serrano and passed by the State Senate on April 24, 2025, would require the State's Council of the Arts, in cooperation with the NYS Department of Economic Development, to develop criteria and guidelines for creating State-designated arts and cultural districts, which would then be eligible to receive State-supplied technical assistance and support; and Whereas, Companion bill A.7737, introduced on April 8, 2025, by State Assembly Member Ron Kim, would call for the same process for creating and supporting State-designated arts and cultural districts; and Whereas, Under S.1062/A.7737, the State's Council of the Arts and the Empire State Development Corporation would provide such State-designated arts and cultural districts with a variety of supports and resources, including technical assistance in applying for federal and nonprofit grants, marketing assistance, and assistance with finding additional State resources and development opportunities; and Whereas, Support provided to NYC through S.1062/A.7737 would benefit NYC residents and neighborhoods economically through job creation and financial support for artists and other workers in the arts and cultural sector, through attracting other businesses to NYC neighborhoods, and through increased tourism; and Whereas, Support provided to NYC through S.1062/A.7737 would also benefit NYC residents and neighborhoods socially by preserving the cultural heritage of many of NYC's neighborhoods and by increasing engagement of NYC residents in their communities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Assembly to pass A.7737 and the Governor to sign S.1062/A.7737, requiring the State's Council of the Arts to develop criteria and guidelines for creating State-designated arts and cultural districts. LS #19537 6/5/2025 RHP 2