photo: Green-Wood Cemetery
New York City is on track to allocate nearly $2 billion in combined operating and capital support via the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), strengthening the cultural fabric of the city. NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo detailed recent investments, innovative programs, and partnerships that support everything from nonprofit operations to citywide infrastructure improvements.
Record funding for cultural nonprofit organizations
For the 2025 budget year, DCLA’s baseline expense funding will rise by $45 million—the largest such increase in over a decade—resulting in a $300 million expense budget, a new record. This supports more than 1,100 nonprofits involved in diverse arts and culture programming across the city.
“Culture is fundamental to NYC’s identity, and with Mayor Adams’ leadership, we celebrate notable advances in arts funding and freshly developed initiatives,” said DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “The cultural sector is a linchpin for our economy, helps build communities, and fosters connections and inspiration among New Yorkers. From pandemic recovery to creative solutions for new challenges, we’ve joined with partners everywhere to deliver high-caliber, accessible cultural resources for every city neighborhood.”
Capital spending accelerates for infrastructure projects
Major capital funding for arts infrastructure continues to rise. In FY26, DCLA will distribute $282 million in new capital support—part of a four-year tally exceeding $938 million—to revitalize and expand cultural sites citywide.
Key projects include a children’s museum expansion at the Queens Museum, the under-construction Hip-Hop Museum in the Bronx, the restored Delacorte Theater, Weeksville Heritage Center’s historical restorations in Brooklyn, and the St. George Theater revitalization on Staten Island.
Expansion of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG)
In 2025, the Cultural Institutions Group added five new members—BRIC, Bronx Children’s Museum, Louis Armstrong House Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, and Pregones / Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (PRTT)—growing to 39 members in its most significant expansion in fifty years.
Cultural Development Fund adopts equity-focused reforms
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) remains a cornerstone in supporting NYC arts nonprofits. CDF grants for FY25 reached $59.3 million distributed to 1,078 organizations, including smaller grassroots and neighborhood groups, marginalized communities, and artists with disabilities or English language barriers.
Recent reforms focus on equity: the minimum grant was increased, and a new Equity Fund was launched to support organizations in neglected neighborhoods.
Materials for the Arts scales sustainability efforts
DCLA’s Materials for the Arts (MFTA) provided free or low-cost material resources to schools, nonprofits, and educators, facilitating the diversion of over 6 million pounds—valued at $28.3 million—from landfill in 2024 alone. Over 4,400 organizations currently benefit.
In 2025, with help from MOME, MFTA received an additional $7.4 million in donations from film, TV, and theater companies across NYC.
NYC Create in Place defends creative community spaces
DCLA’s NYC Create in Place initiative, launched in December 2024, helps neighborhood-based arts spaces withstand financial pressures, providing expert assistance, technical support, and a comprehensive online hub for organizations aiming to secure, enhance, or move their spaces.
This past year, the program was instrumental in helping the wild project performance space secure its premises on the Lower East Side and in assisting Red Hook artists displaced by fire.
City Canvas activates public art on city structures
City Canvas enables murals and visual art installations on temporary construction barriers, sidewalk sheds, and scaffolding. In early 2024, DCLA and the Department of Buildings made the program permanent and published a gallery of pre-approved works to simplify the process for building owners.
By the end of 2025, new works by Lauren Camara, Dennis RedMoon Darkeem, Bayeté Ross Smith, and Zazu Swistel decorated DCLA office scaffolding at 31 Chambers Street.
Percent for Art celebrates 40 years with new public commissions
Permanent public installations continue via DCLA’s commissions. In 2024, the Percent for Art program marked its 40th anniversary and launched a digital map to allow residents to explore its citywide collection.
2025 installations included new art at five Carnegie library branches, as well as the relaunch of the She Built NYC initiative to establish monuments to honor women in each borough. First monuments include tributes to Shirley Chisholm (Brooklyn), Billie Holiday (Queens), and Dr. Helen Rodriguez Trias (Bronx).
Public Artists in Residence expand dialogue on civic issues
The Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) program embeds artists in city departments to tackle social issues. December 2025 saw new PAIR assignments focused on supporting asylum seekers, enhancing civic access, and aiding immigrant-owned small businesses.
That year, “Public Address” by PAIR artist Alex Strada launched in Lt. Petrosino Square and will rotate through the boroughs to raise awareness around homelessness and housing instability.
Long-term cultural investments for the future
The city’s historic $2 billion investment since 2022 prioritizes ongoing operations, transformative renovations, new constructions, and broad community-focused programs, ensuring the vital role of art and culture in every New Yorker’s education, neighborhood, and daily experience.
