photo: Green-Wood Cemetery
New York City is set to invest nearly $2 billion in total expense and capital funding through the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in its drive for a more resilient and inclusive arts sector. Commissioner Laurie Cumbo detailed recent programs and allocations that bolster both day-to-day operations and lasting improvements to major arts infrastructure.
Historic operating support for arts nonprofits
In 2025, baseline support for DCLA will rise by $45 million—the largest baseline jump in more than ten years—sending the expense budget to a record $300 million. This record funding supports over 1,100 cultural nonprofits with critical program and operational backing across NYC.
“Culture fuels New York City’s vibrancy, and thanks to Mayor Adams, we’ve broken new ground in supporting the arts, developing initiatives that strengthen our sector,” said Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “The economy, our unity, and so much inspiration flows from our cultural community. After the pandemic, and through every new challenge, we’ve worked closely with arts leaders and residents to ensure everyone can access unforgettable arts experiences throughout the city.”
Capital funding enables major upgrades
Cultural capital allocations saw a major jump, with $282 million budgeted in FY26, contributing to more than $938 million in capital funding delivered since 2022. Renovation and new construction efforts are underway at sites across the five boroughs.
Notable projects include the Queens Museum’s upcoming children’s museum, the Hip-Hop Museum in the Bronx, the Delacorte Theater’s renovation, updated historic houses at Weeksville Heritage Center, and the restored St. George Theater in Staten Island.
Cultural Institutions Group’s largest growth in decades
The Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) expanded to 39 in 2025, with the inclusion of BRIC, Bronx Children’s Museum, Louis Armstrong House Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, and Pregones / Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, marking the biggest addition in almost fifty years.
CDF increases, adopts new equity initiatives
DCLA’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF) awarded $59.3 million in FY25 across 1,078 organizations—supporting small, local groups, artists, and nonprofits working in under-resourced neighborhoods, with people with disabilities, or with English learners.
Recent equity measures raised the minimum grant size and introduced an Equity Fund to boost support for organizations in long-marginalized communities.
Materials for the Arts pushes for circular solutions and sustainability
DCLA’s Materials for the Arts (MFTA) program provided nonprofit organizations, public schools, and teaching artists with over 6 million pounds of repurposed materials in 2024—an estimated value of $28.3 million. There are currently 4,400+ active MFTA members.
Beginning in 2025, an expanded partnership with MOME brought another $7.4 million in items donated by NYC film, TV, and theater sectors.
NYC Create in Place safeguards local culture spaces
Launched December 2024, NYC Create in Place supports at-risk community cultural venues with case management and technical aid, plus a central web portal for those looking to keep, grow, or relocate their creative space. Recent highlights include helping the wild project acquire its home on the Lower East Side and aiding Red Hook artists after a studio fire.
City Canvas brings artwork to construction sheds citywide
The City Canvas initiative permits art installations on construction-related coverings. Made permanent in January 2024, and streamlined with an initial selection of pre-approved artwork by midyear, it enables easier art placement on city streets.
By the close of 2025, installations by Lauren Camara, Dennis RedMoon Darkeem, Bayeté Ross Smith, and Zazu Swistel were featured on the sidewalk shed at 31 Chambers Street, home to DCLA.
Percent for Art—40 years of public commissions
DCLA’s Percent for Art program celebrated four decades in 2024, introducing an interactive map to engage the public with installations in parks, libraries, and more. In 2025, new pieces were commissioned for five Carnegie library branches. The She Built NYC program was also revived, with plans to commemorate Shirley Chisholm (Brooklyn), Billie Holiday (Queens), and Dr. Helen Rodriguez Trias (Bronx) and additional monuments in other boroughs.
Public Artists in Residence: bridging art and civic concerns
The PAIR (Public Artists in Residence) program placed artists inside agencies to address civic matters. In December 2025, a fresh group of PAIRs began roles assisting with asylum seeker needs, improving city service connections, and supporting immigrant entrepreneurs.
DCLA, the Department of Homeless Services, and Storefront for Art and Architecture debuted “Public Address” by PAIR artist Alex Strada at Lt. Petrosino Square, with a plan for the art piece to travel through the boroughs, drawing focus to issues of homelessness and housing insecurity.
Secure and lasting support for NYC’s arts sector
With almost $2 billion dedicated between 2022 and 2025, New York City is backing both large-scale and neighborhood-driven efforts—ensuring that art and culture remain crucial and accessible to all.
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