photo: Green-Wood Cemetery
New York City is nearing a combined $2 billion in expense and capital funding through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) to further a stronger, more diverse, and accessible cultural landscape. NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo emphasized the city’s investments and the breadth of recent initiatives, describing a historic range of support—from day-to-day nonprofit operations to significant upgrades of cultural facilities.
Unprecedented operating support for cultural nonprofits
For fiscal year 2025, the adopted budget boosts DCLA’s baseline funding by $45 million, marking the biggest increase in over ten years. The current expense budget stands at $300 million, the agency’s highest ever, sustaining programs and daily operations at over 1,100 cultural nonprofits around the five boroughs.
“Culture is the heartbeat of New York City, and under Mayor Adams, we’re celebrating a legacy of record-breaking support for the arts, as well as launching new initiatives to uplift our sector,” said Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “Art and culture are the engine of our city’s economy, empower our neighborhoods, and help educate, connect, and inspire New Yorkers. From recovery after the pandemic to developing innovative responses to challenges, we’ve collaborated closely with cultural leaders and advocates to make sure outstanding cultural opportunities are within reach for every New Yorker, citywide.”
Major capital investments for renovation and expansion
Capital allocations are also up. In FY26, DCLA dedicated over $282 million in new cultural capital to support building and renovating cultural assets all over NYC. Across the past four years, the city invested over $938 million in cultural capital through DCLA.
Highlighted projects include a new children’s museum at the Queens Museum, the Bronx’s Hip-Hop Museum under construction, the recently renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park, upgrades at Weeksville Heritage Center’s historic Brooklyn houses, and the restoration of Staten Island’s St. George Theater.
Cultural Institutions Group sees historic growth citywide
In 2025, NYC’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) was expanded with five additions: BRIC, Bronx Children’s Museum, the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, and Pregones / Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (PRTT), raising the total to 39—a scale of growth not seen in fifty years.
Cultural Development Fund advances equity and inclusion
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) remains a vital support for nonprofits citywide. In FY 2025, the CDF provided a record $59.3 million in grants to 1,078 groups, supporting small arts organizations, independent artists, and nonprofits advancing equity for communities with fewer resources, people with disabilities, and English learners.
Reforms included increasing minimum grant amounts and the debut of a new Equity Fund to boost assistance for organizations rooted in neighborhoods that have historically been underserved.
Materials for the Arts leads reuse and circular economy
Through Materials for the Arts (MFTA), DCLA offers free creative supplies to nonprofits, public schools, and art educators. In 2024, MFTA recycled over 6 million pounds of supplies—valued at $28.3 million—for over 4,400 active members.
Thanks to an expanded collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) in 2025, MFTA received over $7.4 million of donated items from NYC-based film, TV, and theater productions.
NYC Create in Place protects vital arts spaces
DCLA’s NYC Create in Place initiative, launched December 2024, offers supports for community cultural spaces under threat from affordability pressures. This collaborative effort provides case management, technical guidance, and an online hub for organizations aiming to maintain, grow, or relocate their spaces.
In 2025, the program helped secure the Lower East Side’s wild project venue, and supported artists and creatives affected by a Red Hook, Brooklyn, fire.
City Canvas turns sidewalk sheds into public art
Through City Canvas, public art installations now enliven temporary structures like scaffolds and fences. In January 2024, DCLA and the Department of Buildings made City Canvas a permanent feature, and in July, released a first set of pre-approved designs to ease the licensing process for property owners.
By the end of 2025, work by artists Lauren Camara, Dennis RedMoon Darkeem, Bayeté Ross Smith, and Zazu Swistel decorated the sidewalk shed surrounding DCLA’s headquarters at 31 Chambers Street.
Marking 40 years of Percent for Art and new commissions
DCLA continues to commission major public artworks for schools, parks, libraries, and streets. In 2024, the Percent for Art program celebrated its 40th year and introduced an interactive map for exploring the city’s collection.
New works in 2025 included pieces commissioned for five historic Carnegie library branches. DCLA also revived the She Built NYC initiative, launching new monuments to honor women in each borough, starting with Brooklyn’s Shirley Chisholm, Queens’ Billie Holiday, and the Bronx’s Dr. Helen Rodriguez Trias.
Public Artists in Residence deepen civic dialogue
The Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) program embedded artists in city agencies to tackle pressing issues. In December 2025, DCLA named new PAIRs addressing asylum seekers, public service access, and support for immigrant-owned small businesses.
In 2025, a pioneering work, “Public Address” by Alex Strada (PAIR at the Department of Homeless Services), debuted at Lt. Petrosino Square, with plans to bring it to each borough, foregrounding homelessness and housing insecurity.
NYC’s robust investment secures a cultural legacy
With close to $2 billion in cultural investments since 2022, the city’s support includes everyday funding for nonprofits, transformative capital projects, and a range of initiatives making art and culture an everyday presence in New Yorkers’ lives.
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