Center For An Urban Future Panel Discusses Culture, Crisis & Affordability In NYC
Source: CUF’s YouTube coverage of the event.
New York City’s Creative Culture
One of New York City’s biggest draws is its reputation as a creative and cultural behemoth. Yet new data indicates that the City is experiencing a growing drain of this precious resource. Indeed, the Center For An Urban Future (CUF), a prominent think tank, not only recently released a powerful report on this disturbing trend but also held a widely attended panel discussion that brought together various thought-leaders in the public sector as well as a large number of various stakeholders in the creative sector to discus causes and potential solutions to address the various challenges.
Jonathan Bowles and Eli Dvorkin—Executive Director and Editorial & Policy Director of the Center for an Urban Future, respectively—kicked off the discussion. The panel featured a range of speakers, including City Council Member Julie Menin; Maria Torres-Springer; Julie Sandorf, President of The Charles H. Revson Foundation; Salome Asega, Director of NEW INC at the New Museum; Karesia Batan, Founding Executive Director of the Queensboro Dance Festival; Rafael Espinal, Executive Director of the Freelancers Union and incoming Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment; and Sade Lythcott, CEO of the National Black Theatre.
The Focal Point
The focal point of much of the conversation was the issue of affordability. The argument was that by creating more affordable housing, for example, over such buildings as certain New York Public Libraries, creatives could not only remain in the City but, by doing so, create a stronger and more equitable New York. Indeed, the current numbers are staggering. As per CUF, the number of dancers in NYC has declined by 19% since the pandemic, fashion designers are down by 26%, actors by 8%, and musicians by 3%. To complicate the situation, nearly 50 theaters, music clubs, museums, and galleries have closed permanently since 2020.
In addition, creatives tend to earn approximately 23% less than their peers in other states, given the cost of rent. At the same time, the number of independent and freelance workers is experiencing a dramatic rise. However, issues with this pathway lie in overcoming major insurance hurdles.
Solutions
Once the speakers shared their various views, concerns, and strategies, the event turned to audience questions and ideas. One of the most powerful ideas shared was the notion of creating a system where the spaces within public schools could be used not only for free/low-cost artist space but also for developing expanded programming and relationships between schools and local artists.
At a time when it seems creative thinking is needed now more than ever, there will probably be a number of pilot programs to test new approaches and strategies. The notion of urgently supporting creatives is also critical because the sector is deeply important for driving business and tourism in New York City.
As we move into a new era with a new mayor, many in the audience felt that a moment of true possibility had arisen. However, only time will tell. Given the impact that art and creative endeavors have on the human psyche, it will be vital to overcome the current challenges as efficiently and quickly as possible.
New Yorkers not in attendance can view the entire event on CUF’s YouTube page and learn more about the statistics in detail through CUF’s Creative New York report.