Judith Ensel calls for a three-to-five-year strategic plan and 1% arts funding
Judith Ensel, executive director of Bronx Arts Ensemble, urges the next CreateNYC to be a true three-to-five-year strategic plan with budget information and for arts and culture funding to reach 1% of the NYC budget.
Thank you.
Good afternoon, Chair Dr.
Natasha Williams and any other esteemed city council members.
My name is Judith Nitzel, and as the Executive Director of the Bronx Arts Ensemble, I am advocating for the next iteration of Create NYC
to be developed as a true three- to five-year strategic plan, including budgetary information.
For years, I have longed for a citywide strategic plan for arts and culture.
The next Create NYC should be a strategic plan to help all arts institutions, particularly small and mid-sized
organizations, move into more sustainable and elevated service of arts and culture programs to all New Yorkers.
I would also advocate that this new plan
present the real need for arts and culture funding to finally reach 1% in the New York City budget.
I believe that setting aside at least this amount of funding in the New York City budget is the only way to successfully execute a new plan for arts and culture in New York City.
Today we have heard testimony from experts citing that cultural
assets in communities literally help improve the physical lives of citizens in lower and moderate income neighborhoods.
My community Bronx-based organization needs to have a supportive citywide plan in place to help us supply the underserved communities of the Bronx to live better and shine brighter.
New York City is a special place that needs support from a very thoughtful strategic plan for arts and culture in New York.
The next iteration of Create NYC must strive to be a strategic plan that is executed with intention in order to keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape of arts and culture in New York City.
Thank you very much.