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Upstate's Creative Spark: Harnessing the Arts to Boost Economic Vitality in Cities Across New York State

About this event

*If you have any trouble accessing the replay of the event, please contact Stephanie Arevalo at sarevalo@nycfuture.org

In recent years, arts and culture have been vital for economic revitalization in upstate cities from Albany and Syracuse to Buffalo and Rochester, creating jobs, transforming hard-hit downtowns, sparking small business growth, and even reversing years of population decline. Despite this, state funding for the arts has been limited, policymakers are only beginning to harness the arts for local economic development, and many working artists, arts organizations, and cultural venues face steep challenges.

This forum explored what’s needed to keep upstate’s creative spark going and bolster artists and cultural organizations in communities across upstate New York. Building on CUF's recently published report, Upstate's Creative Spark: How the Arts is Catalyzing Economic Vitality Across Upstate New York, the forum discussed the promising new proposal put forward in January by Governor Hochul to "Promote Economic Growth by Investing in the Arts,” and delved into ways arts leaders can work with state officials to ensure that this plan not only comes to fruition but is implemented in a way that is smart, sustainable, and equitable. It shined a light on innovative upstate programs and initiatives that deserve to continue and grow and identify other opportunities for state policymakers to strengthen communities by expanding support for both artists and arts and cultural organizations.

Speakers included:

  • State Senator Sean Ryan, Chair, Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business
  • State Senator Jose M. Serrano, Chair, Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks & Recreation
  • Erika Mallin, Executive Director, New York State Council on the Arts
  • Sarah Calderon, Executive Director, Creatives Rebuild New York
  • Erica Fee, Founding Festival Producer & CEO, Rochester Fringe Festival
  • Kevin O’Connor, CEO, RUPCO
  • Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council
  • Cjala Surratt, Co-Founder, Black Artist Collective
  • Jade Warrick, Artist

This symposium was made possible through partnership with Creatives Rebuild New York. We are also grateful for general support from The Clark Foundation, the Altman Foundation, and ongoing support from a number of other philanthropic funders.

Center for an Urban Future

Center for an Urban Future is a catalyst for smart and sustainable policies that reduce inequality, increase economic mobility, and grow the economy in NYC.