New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced new funding for NYC cultural institutions April 22, with $22.6 million set to be distributed over the next three fiscal years.
Performing arts centers, historical societies, museums, zoos, and botanical gardens are among the groups set to get $18.3 million of the allocation, with $4.3 million earmarked for the Cultural Development Fund. The list of institutions set to receive funds was not immediately available.
“Our people, arts, and culture are the heart and soul of New York City, and they are the cornerstone of our economic rebound,” said Mayor Adams in a statement. “New Yorkers, alongside tourists from every corner of the globe, enjoy our world-class museums, theatres, performing arts centers, and more. Our strong fiscal management has enabled us to put money back into the cultural organizations that do so much for us, and with this investment of more than $22 million we are reaffirming our commitment to this vital sector.”
The move comes as tourism is on the rise, even as many cultural institutions are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Money from this fund could provide limited assistance to struggling non-profits, and larger efforts are underway for similar funding in congress, specifically the recently introduced STAGE Act.