Arts and culture is part of what make New York City so special. We must do everything in our power to protect these institutions.

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COVID-19 Recovery

Independent theater and music venues have been decimated by the COVID crisis. In these uncertain times, we need to get creative. We should:

• Allow permits for outdoor public performances

• Support Congress’s Save Our Stages Act, which would provide grants to independent music and entertainment venues

• Allow discounted utility rates for non profit theaters, similar to rates given to religious institutions

• Support state legislation releasing the commercial renter from the majority of rent burden, and covering the landlord’s lost revenue with federal stimulus funds

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Beyond COVID, we must also create and support policies that will preserve and expand cultural institutions: We should:

• Support cultural exchange programs that connect organizations looking to work with international artists

• Increase access to underutilized city-owned spaces

• Create exchange workshops with public schools, senior centers and NYCHA residents for rehearsal/performance space in exchange for free classes and performances

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