Senator Serrano Introduces Legislation To Create Cultural Districts In New York

Senator Serrano introduced legislation in the New York State Senate that would develop criteria and guidelines for state designated arts and cultural districts throughout New York State.  Serrano's Bill (S6271) would would create a state-certified "arts and cultural district," allowing municipalities to apply for designation for areas of art and culture and to receive state support.

There are many existing areas within the state that have specific artistic or cultural value and appeal, including geographic areas with a concentration of art, artists, or general places of cultural significance. These clusters provide significant economic and quality of life value to the local community, or have the potential to do so if additional resources were available.

"It is my hope that through this new legislation New York will be better able to help struggling municipalities benefit from their artistic and cultural strengths. Whether it is a concentration of museums, a large number of artistic residences, or historic sites with artistic or cultural value, there is an incredible amount of untapped potential, and it is my goal to have the state encourage the growth and development of these economic engines."