Dozens of cultural events to be held across the city to celebrate the full $60.6M restoration of funding for arts and culture sector secured by the Council in adopted Fiscal Year 2025 city budget
New York, NY – Today, the New York City Council announced New York City Culture Week, a weeklong celebration of New York City’s arts and culture sector and the investments secured in the adopted Fiscal Year 2025 city budget. In the FY25 budget, the Council successfully secured a full $60.6 million restoration in funding for arts and culture institutions to support the operations of hundreds of organizations across New York City, with the critical portion of its funding baselined to protect the sector from being at risk of year-to-year in future budgets. Between October 24-31, in partnership with the Cultural Institutions Groups (CIGs), New Yorkers for Arts and Culture, and organizations within the broader cultural sector, 25 organizations will host over two dozen celebratory events that are open to the public. NYC Culture Week will reflect the various cultural offerings available to New Yorkers and visitors alike, including musical performances, plays, workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, family activities, and more. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit, support their local cultural institutions, and use the hashtag #NYCCultureWeek.
“New York City’s cultural institutions are the lifeblood of our communities and are crucial to the city’s economy,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to have successfully secured vital funding restorations for arts and culture in the Fiscal Year 2025 city budget, including baselined funding to ensure investments are protected. As we celebrate NYC Culture Week, I encourage every New Yorker to explore, support, and be inspired by our world-class cultural institutions. Our beloved arts and cultural organizations bring our stories to life, connect us to one another, and drive the innovation that makes New York City the world’s cultural capital. As a Council, we will continue to safeguard our city’s institutional pillars that keep our communities connected and vibrant.”
“Culture Week is a celebration and showcase of the artists and cultural organizations that enrich communities across the five boroughs,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations. “I am excited to welcome neighbors to experience the amazing contributions of the individuals and groups that attract people from all over the world to our hometown. Our City Council and Speaker Adrienne Adams were critical in securing over $60 million in restored funding this year to ensure New Yorkers have the opportunity to connect with culture. Increasing access to the arts is good for the wellbeing of New York City families, and good for the health of our economy.”
“Prior to becoming a Councilmember and Finance Chair, I was a touring musician thanks to three chords I learned in guitar class at McKinley Junior High School,” said Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance. “Access to the arts opened up my world. That’s why I will always fight for arts and culture funding, so that every New Yorker has the opportunity to enrich their lives and enjoy all of the talent New York City has to offer. All New Yorkers should engage with and support their local arts and culture organizations during Culture Week and beyond.”
“Our cultural institutions are a lifeline for New Yorkers across this city,” said Coco Killingsworth, Chair of the Cultural Institutions Group. “We are incredibly pleased that our advocacy efforts resulted in the complete restoration of the fiscal 2025 cultural budget. This could not have been accomplished without the unwavering support of Speaker Adams, the City Council, and our friends in the greater cultural advocacy community. We encourage all New Yorkers to join us in celebrating our city’s cultural offerings by attending the wonderful cultural events and supporting their local cultural organizations this Week of Culture!
”Last spring, the City Council under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams succeeded in restoring the budget cuts to the culture budget—and once again passing historic support for our city’s cultural ecosystem!” said Lucy Sexton, New Yorkers for Culture and Arts Executive Director. “Our city’s cultural organizations anchor our communities and drive our economy. Culture is the beating heart of our city and we encourage all New Yorkers to join the Council in getting to a local arts and culture center event in your community!”
###