Response Panel Decision
To: Adrienne Bryant
From: Anny Lam and Michael Ng
Re: Insufficient Affordable Long-Term Workspace for NYC Performing Artists
Date: April 5, 2015
After reviewing the policy options brief and the presentation, the panel believes that this problem is sufficient enough that it needs to be addressed. Like with all real estate in this city, affordability has become a major concern for residents, business owners, nonprofit organizations and other space seekers. Without enough affordable space, many families are at risk of becoming homeless, businesses are forced to close or relocate, and as your presentation points out, performing artists are left without any long-term workspace.
Among the options presented, we believe the first option is the most viable for the problem presented. Not only does it have the lowest implementation cost, it also has the potential to be the most beneficially not only to the performing artists seeking space but also to the schools and students involved.
It is our understanding that many performing artists lease spaces for very short periods of time and have very little control as to what their next rent amount will be. Since many schools already have theatres, gymnasiums and other large empty spaces, it’ll provide what performing artists are looking for. The use of these already established spaces currently occupied by our schools would eliminate hefty rental costs for performing artists. This will enable them to feel more secure knowing they have a consistent home without having to worry about making the rent.
The schools participating in this program will also benefit by having additional programs for its students. Getting sufficient high-quality arts programs into our schools is not an easy feat to accomplish. This program will enable working performing artists to bring their experience and talents to educate the students. These performing artists will be cheaper than a full-time teacher and will bring more credibility to the students as working artists.
The CUNY Dance Initiative highlighted in your presentation is what we’re hoping to see but expanded to more public schools throughout the city. The potential costs of having additional security and maintenance is minimal compared to what it brings to the performing artists and the schools.
Your other two options are also beneficial but can be too dependent on third parties who do not particularly have too much to gain and is contingent on performing artists having enough money to either rent or buy space, which many do not. Furthermore, with the increasing population in New York City, it is difficult for performing artists to obtain a building or studio with the necessary amount of performance space, similar to the gymnasiums or auditoriums that the schools provides.
Additionally, any option that involves tax breaks, subsidies, loans, or other financial solutions may take a long time and may not be approved by the city. Option #1 will cost the city the least amount of money, will be simple in implementation and will be able to benefit the highest number of performing artists. With all the advantages over the other options, this is why we believe Option #1 will be the best in resolving the problem presented.