Arts and Culture committee meetings take place in person on the second Monday of each month at the
District Office located at 215 West 125th Street, 4th Floor.

The Arts and Culture Committee of Manhattan Community Board 10 (CB10) is dedicated to promoting and preserving Harlem’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. It serves as a platform to support local artists, cultural organizations, and community events, while also advocating for policies and initiatives that enhance Harlem’s vibrant cultural landscape. Here’s an overview of its roles and activities:

Purpose and Goals

The committee works to:

1. Preserve Harlem’s Cultural Legacy:
   • Highlighting and safeguarding Harlem’s historic contributions to arts and culture, such as the Harlem Renaissance.
   • Supporting institutions like theaters, galleries, and museums that embody this legacy.
2. Support Contemporary Artists and Organizations:
   • Providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work.
   • Connecting artists with funding, space, and networking opportunities.
3. Engage the Community in Cultural Activities:
   • Promoting participation in arts and cultural events to enhance community cohesion.
   • Ensuring equitable access to cultural programming across all demographics.

Key Responsibilities

1. Reviewing and Supporting Projects:
   • Evaluating proposals for public art installations, murals, and cultural events.
   • Partnering with city agencies and private organizations to implement projects that benefit the Harlem community.
2. Advocating for Cultural Funding:
   • Lobbying for grants, sponsorships, and city funding to support local cultural initiatives.
   • Helping local organizations navigate application processes for public and private funding.
3. Collaborating with Cultural Institutions:
   • Working with renowned institutions like the Apollo Theater, Studio Museum in Harlem, and Harlem School of the Arts.
   • Facilitating partnerships between these organizations and smaller, community-based groups.
4. Promoting Arts Education:
   • Encouraging programs that integrate arts into schools and community centers.
   • Supporting initiatives that teach youth about Harlem’s artistic and cultural history.
5. Public Art and Cultural Spaces:
   • Recommending locations for public art installations and performance spaces.
   • Ensuring new developments include considerations for cultural spaces.

Community Engagement

The Arts and Culture Committee hosts:

1. Public Forums and Exhibits:
   • Organizing art shows, live performances, and cultural festivals to showcase local talent.
   • Hosting forums to gather feedback on cultural needs and priorities.
2. Workshops and Panel Discussions:
   • Providing educational workshops on grant writing, portfolio development, and cultural advocacy.
   • Hosting discussions on issues like gentrification’s impact on Harlem’s cultural identity.

Advocacy for Cultural Preservation

The committee actively works to:

1. Protect Harlem’s Cultural Landmarks:
   • Collaborating with the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Committee to preserve sites of cultural significance.
   • Advocating against developments that threaten Harlem’s cultural fabric.
2. Promote Harlem as a Cultural Destination:
   • Supporting tourism initiatives that highlight Harlem’s arts and culture.
   • Encouraging partnerships with citywide and global cultural organizations to elevate Harlem’s profile.

Please Note:  seating is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and an identification (ID) is mandatory for entry into the building.

Register for the Arts and Culture Committee Meeting via Zoom.
Meeting Link – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87234180682
Dial In +16465189805,87234180682, 19292056099, US (New York)

View the Arts and Culture Committee Meeting via Facebook Live