Adams celebrates $53M investment for cultural institutions

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday celebrated an historic investment in the city’s cultural institutions as part of what he describes as “an on-time, balanced and fiscally-responsible” $112.4 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Adopted Budget that addresses the city’s affordability crisis head-on and invests in the future of the city and the working-class people who make New York the greatest city in the world.

Adams said the FY25 Adopted Budget ensures cultural institutions will have what they need to engage New Yorkers and attract tourists and other visitors, as a critical part of the city’s economic and social wellbeing.

After making multiple investments in New York City’s cultural sector, including by restoring more than $22 million to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) for the city’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) and Cultural Development Fund (CDF) in Mayor Adams’ Executive Budget proposal, Mayor Adams and the City Council went even further in the FY25 Adopted Budget by restoring an additional $53 million.

DCLA now has a record high budget of $254 million that will support over 1,000 cultural nonprofits citywide.

Last month, the City Council voted to pass the FY25 Budget. After the budget handshake announcement, New Yorkers from across the city, including multiple cultural institutions and organizations, praised the budget for its wide-ranging investments that help protect public safety, rebuild the economy, and make New York City more affordable and livable.

“Cultural institutions are the beating heart of our city,” said Mayor Adams. “Our cultural institutions break down barriers, teach us about the world around us, and make New York City the globe’s cultural hub. Thanks to our cultural institutions, our economy is thriving, and tourists are returning to our city to explore the best in arts, culture, and entertainment.

“Today, our administration is doubling down on our commitment to ‘culturals’ and investing an all-time record high to ensure that the sector continues to thrive and that both New Yorkers and visitors have affordable places to learn, explore, and have fun,” he added.

“Once again, the Adams administration is showing up for our cultural community with a historic investment that will put people to work, deliver extraordinary cultural programs in every corner of our city, and make New York a safer, stronger, more vibrant place for all of us,” said DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “I want to give a shout out to the advocates, artists, cultural workers, and others who showed up at hearings, rallies, and other engagements to make the case for culture to their fellow New Yorkers.

“We know that culture inspires individuals, strengthens communities, and drives the economy,” she added. “Now, with another record city investment in this important sector, we in local government are ready to continue partnering with our remarkable cultural community to continue delivering these benefits to residents in all five boroughs.”

Adams said cultural institutions are a critical part of New York City’s social and economic fabric, “which New Yorkers depend on for education, community building, and the overall vibrancy of the city.”

He said the $53 million will go to support public programming at more than 1,000 cultural nonprofits citywide through DCLA’s Cultural Development Fund and Cultural Institutions.

The mayor said these funding streams invest in cultural groups “across all disciplines, in all shapes and sizes, working in every corner of the five boroughs.

“The wide range of free summer cultural programs highlighted by DCLA earlier this year is just one example of the range of cultural programming that receives city support,” he said.

In February, DCLA announced more than $52 million in grants for 1,031 nonprofits through the CDF, which is part of this budget investment for FY25 and FY26.

With support from Adams, the City Council and borough presidents, DCLA also announced more than $209 million in new funding for cultural capital projects across the city included in the FY24 budget in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.