The New York City Council announced on October 11 that it would double its investment—now $3.2 million—for the city’s Cultural Immigrant Initiative. Established last year, the Initiative funds 77 groups that focus on the cultural history and traditions of immigrant communities throughout New York City’s five boroughs. 

Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, in support of the increased funding, commented, “Cultural expression through art, music, dance and more celebrates this vibrant diversity of experiences and stories and allows us to share and appreciate that diversity together.” City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer also stated, “By increasing funding streams to immigrant organizations and cultural groups that are often overlooked in the cultural funding process we are empowering more New Yorkers and increasing access to the arts in every neighborhood. Everyone in every corner of our city, regardless of their economic or ethnic background, is entitled to the world-class culture that makes our city great.”