Local Arts Advocacy: Tips and Tools
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NEW
YORK STATE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS
Senate
Description
The
Cultural Development Areas project will
strengthen arts and culture through a collation of community and government efforts. Cultural
Development Areas will stimulate
community planning, economic and community development, enhance cultural tourism,
job development and create entrepreneurial small business programs for arts organizations
throughout
Goals of Cultural Development Areas
In
strengthening the arts industry while building community, the Cultural Development
Area legislation will:
- Develop more self sustaining resources
for the arts community by encouraging greater patronage and new revenue streams
for arts and cultural organizations
- Foster arts and cultural partnerships
with corporations, business and local government
- Position the arts sector as the
catalyst and convener in community planning
- Position the arts sector as an
economic engine in community development
- Sustain cultural development over
the long term
- Strengthen and grow communities
and neighborhoods; enrich community life
- Create new jobs for the arts industry
- Create an ecology that includes
arts related business that builds the not for profit infrastructure, balancing
commercial and not for profit development
The
Cultural Development Areas project not
only supports culture and the arts, but also provides significant incentives for
corporations, businesses and landlords. Some
of the benefits for those in the culture zones include:
·
Tax incentives for landlords who provide favorable rental rates
to nonprofit arts and cultural groups and to artists.
·
Tax incentives for developers who construct and reserve spaces for
artists, arts groups and cultural institutions (including performance and exhibit
spaces).
·
Tax credit for contributors who make contributions to arts institutions
located in the zone (including both individuals and businesses).
·
Reduced energy costs providing significant support for arts
organizations with performing and exhibition facilities.
·
Job development assistance to help arts organizations in the zone
access subsidized staffing and job training programs.
·
Low-interest or no-interest loans for small arts-related, for-profit
businesses.
·
Incentives and credits for community revitalization projects.
·
Increased visibility and recognition
of the vital role
that the arts play in community development and economic development stimulation.
The New York State Cultural Development Areas Project is an innovative concept that emerged from meetings of arts leaders convened by the Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations. The intent was to develop a systematic arts policy to affect more equitable access and provide greater resources to the arts and cultural industry in New York State
In 2003, meetings were held across the state in Albany, Rochester, Poughkeepsie, Queens, and Buffalo. More than 400 organizations and an Advisory Committee provided input and insight as bill drafts were considered and revised.
The
champions of this legislation are Senator Serphin Maltese and Assemblyman Joseph
Morelle! They have been joined by legislators in both houses and on both sides
of the aisle to advance Cultural Development Areas in New York State.
The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a 31-year history as New York’s service association for arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen cultural organizations. The Alliance informs the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support.
P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101