Malik Jones testifies on Lincoln Center access and culture as essential infrastructure

Thank you, Chair and members of the committee.

My name is Malik Jones.

I'm the Chief People Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

We believe culture is critical to democracy.

This means it must be accessible, affordable, and reflective of all New Yorkers.

Create NYC solidified the city's commitment to this issue, shaped a clear set of policy goals, and historic investments in culture are steps in continuing this work.

At Lincoln Center, this has meant a few things.

One, affordable access to art.

Since 2022, Lincoln Center presents free and choose what you pay model has helped bring nearly 3 million people to our campus.

This approach welcomes more people and reflects our commitment to centering the arts in everyday life, ensuring extraordinary artistic experiences remain within reach for all.

Next, art spaces as civic spaces.

In 2028, we'll be excited to open the re-envisioned Amsterdam Avenue from the library to Damaraj Park to a new performance park designed with over 7,200 insights from community members.

also strengthened our relationships in the neighborhood, hosting community board meetings, collaborating with nearby NYCHA neighbors, and engaging surrounding schools.

And centered inclusive practices.

Our work benefits from the broad range of perspectives and experiences that our management team and our employees bring to this work.

We're also investing in the next generation through expanded recruitment, including participating in New York City at Work and summer youth employment through the Access Ambassadors Program.

As the city plans for the next iteration, we need the cultural plan to evolve into New York City's operationalization of culture as essential infrastructure.

We must, one, leverage every tool and create new mechanisms so New Yorkers can afford to live, create, and present in our city.

We must connect every New Yorker to culture in a way that is attainable and accessible and deploy across agency.

Effort that incorporates culture in all aspects to build healthier, more connected, and resilient communities.

We offer more details in our written submission, but in closing, without bold solutions, we risk losing our city's identity.

Together, we believe we can be part of the solution.

We thank you again for your time.