On Monday, January 27th at 10am ET, the NY City Council’s Committee on Cultural Affairs will host an Oversight Hearing, chaired by Council Member Carlina Rivera. The focus of this hearing is on workforce development in the city’s arts and culture sector.
This is an important moment for our community to share information about the impact of and need for robust workforce development opportunities in the arts. Specific results and examples of workforce development programs will be the most impactful during your testimony. We also encourage those testifying to consider workforce development through the lens of continuing professionalization from recruitment and training into entry-level positions through leadership development opportunities. And don’t forget to mention that you are part of the It Starts with the Arts Coalition!
Additional Background from the City Council: Arts and cultural organizations of all sizes provide good jobs for New Yorkers and contribute substantially to New York City’s economy. CreateNYC, New York City’s 10-year comprehensive cultural plan, recognized the importance of nurturing the arts and cultural industry and in preparing and encouraging the workers that are needed to make it successful. One particular way the industry and its workers can be supported is through the expansion of pathways to and advancement in careers in arts and culture, especially for students from underrepresented communities. The Committee is interested in what has been done to expand such pathways and create a pipeline of skilled workers that New York City’s arts and cultural industry can hire and advance. The Committee expects to hear about programs that provide mentorships, fellowships, internships, and more. Such programs should enable the arts and cultural workforce to be effective in making New York City’s economy strong.
How can I testify?
Those interested in participating can opt to provide two minutes of oral testimony in-person at City Hall or via Zoom. If you are not able to participate live, we strongly encourage submitting written testimony (feel free to use this testimony template to help get you started!).
If you plan to attend in-person, please note that the hearings take place on the 2nd floor, in either the main chambers or in a smaller room off to the right (accessible via stairs or elevator). Upon arrival, check in with the desk labeled “Sergeant At Arms” and sign up to speak. You will then wait to be called to testify at the front of the room. If you are testifying virtually, you will follow those who are testifying in-person.
I’m Interested, What Next?
The most important thing to do right NOW is register to testify. You must be registered by Saturday, January 25 in order to participate VIRTUALLY. Those delivering IN-PERSON testimony can register in advance or upon arrival at City Hall. WRITTEN testimony can be submitted up to 72 hours after the hearing (Thursday, January 30).
You do NOT have to submit testimony now, though there is a part of the sign up that asks for it. Simply register your info and submit testimony when you are ready. Directions on how to register are included below. If you are testifying virtually, you will be sent a Zoom link for you to sign on that morning. You will be limited to two minutes of speaking time.
Teaching artists, students, cultural workers, arts administrators, artists, teachers, and arts education champions — your voices matter! Feel free to reach out via any questions to Roundtable Executive Director, Kimberly Olsen at kolsen@nycaieroundtable.org. Thank you for helping us educate and advocate for the need to invest in cultural workforce development!