S5714A

The New York State Senate passed legislation amending the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law on a 48-11 vote Tuesday, advancing a bill sponsored by Sen. Cleare that aims to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the state's arts funding system. The measure requires the New York State Council on the Arts to incorporate broader considerations for culture, access, diversity, equity, inclusion, social and racial justice when reforming its composition. Cleare argued during floor debate that small, diverse community-centric arts organizations historically struggle to secure federal, state and local support compared to large cultural institutions, which are not always committed to supporting works focused on diversity and equity. The bill passed with support from 48 senators, while 11 senators—Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Helming, Lanza, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads and Weik—voted in opposition. The legislation now moves forward in the legislative process.

The New York State Senate passed legislation to reform the state's arts funding system to prioritize diversity, equity, and social justice. Senate Print 5714A, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, amends the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law to broaden the composition of the New York State Council on the Arts and require consideration of diversity and equity in grant-making and contracting decisions. The bill also requires NYSCA to evaluate potential grantees based on how they use arts or culture to address racial and social justice. Supporters argued that small, community-centric arts organizations serving communities of color have historically struggled to secure funding compared to large institutions. Sen. May cited the Everson Museum in Syracuse as an example of an institution successfully diversifying its exhibits, artists, and board composition. The bill passed 51-7, with seven senators voting in opposition: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, and Walczyk.