Historically home to many artists and actors, our district is central to New York City’s endlessly emerging arts scene – from the galleries of Chelsea and the Whitney Museum to the Great White Way - these cultural institutions have defined our city for decades. Unfortunately, many of them are struggling to remain prosperous. 

New York City leads the way in support and funding through our tax dollars for arts institutions, but we must go further. 

We can revive and support the arts economy by working with arts organizations and cultural institutions, as well as fellow council members to use the Human Rights Law to support the development of artist housing like at Westbeth and Manhattan Plaza. It will ensure that artist housing expands access, supports diversity, and remains consistent with anti-discrimination principles, because today, that doesn’t happen. 

I’ll work with the Speaker and my colleagues on the council to develop legislation and incentives that foster growth in creative careers and prioritize the protection of galleries, performance spaces and other cultural institutions, defending the creative workforce that fuels our neighborhood and city’s identity.