What Can We Do? Immigration and the Cultural Community

Please join NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl and NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Bitta Mostofi for an audience-led conversation on the role of the cultural community in fostering an open and welcoming city for immigrants.

This FREE event is co-organized by Art Space Sanctuary and No Longer Empty.

The Department of Cultural Affairs has heard from many NYC cultural organizations that would like to know more about how the DCLA can collectively offer assistance to and demonstrate solidarity with immigrant communities across the city, many of whom are artists, cultural workers, and cultural organizations at the core of New York City’s cultural community. The DCLA understands that this is an urgent and important matter and wants to facilitate a discussion about what information and guidance organizations need to better support immigrant communities.

• What kinds of artistic and educational programming can be of service to immigrant communities?
• What existing projects could be better supported?
• What city policies that are welcoming to immigrant communities can be applied to cultural institutions?
• What kinds of staff and volunteer training opportunities may be useful or necessary?

Commissioners Finkelpearl and Mostofi will give a brief introduction and will then facilitate an open conversation driven by audience questions, suggestions, and concerns.

Accessibility Information:
31 Chambers Street has an accessible entrance on Reade Street between Elk and Centre Streets, as well as accessible restrooms. To request additional information regarding accessibility or accommodations for events hosted by DCLA, please contact the Disability Service Facilitator at disabilityfacilitator@culture.nyc.gov or (212) 513-9376.