New York City wouldn't be the greatest place on earth without its incredible cultural organizations like the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, and other cultural treasures. But that legacy doesn't just happen. It takes a commitment from all New Yorkers – and especially our leaders – to keep it great.
Simply put, without funding these beloved and world-renowned organizations and institutions face an uncertain future. We need your help to make sure that never happens.
Right now, Mayor de Blasio is finalizing his next budget and we are seeking a funding increase of $40 million to support the 1,500+ cultural organizations in New York City. That's less than 1 percent of the overall budget – a small price to pay to keep these organizations strong.
The Wildlife Conservation Society is proud to provide places where every single New Yorker can learn about the natural wonders around them and about how they can act in defense of wildlife and wild places. Our efforts to inspire a global conservation movement start right here in the Big Apple – and the city's support is essential.
Sign and let City Hall know that you're inspired by wildlife and that you want New York's culture to keep thriving for generations to come. Ask the mayor to increase funding today.
Dear Mayor de Blasio,
New Yorkers from all walks of life are inspired by New York City arts and cultural organizations in a myriad of ways. To support these organizations, I am writing today to respectfully request that you increase funding for arts and culture in New York City by $40 million.
New York City's arts and cultural organizations, including both the Cultural Institutions Group and Program Groups, are essential to the fabric of this City -- they enrich the lives of New Yorkers in all five boroughs, provide significant economic impact through jobs and support for local neighborhoods, and help make the City's diverse communities more vibrant.
Arts and cultural organizations would use this funding to increase lifelong arts and cultural education, expand access to arts and cultural opportunities, and support workforce development and diversity in the arts and cultural sector. These new funds could support increased funding for arts and cultural organizations, including underfunded groups, arts councils administering grants to individual artists and local cultural organizations, and a more diverse array of new grantees.
I strongly encourage the City to recognize the important, unique, and essential role that arts and cultural organizations, as well as individual artists, play in the lives of New Yorkers.
[Your Comment]
Thank you,
[Your Name]
