NEWBURGH – The Newburgh Arts and Cultural Commission and the City of Newburgh are undertaking the first comprehensive inventory and assessment of the diverse arts and culture ecology in the city: the Newburgh Arts + Cultural Study.
As evidenced in cities large and small, arts and culture are known to be powerful engines for business sectors and benefit residents and visitors alike. The project website, NewburghCulture.org, details how Newburgh’s community can participate in the first focus group on August 7, take the survey, volunteer, follow NACS social media, and learn the survey’s results.
At this highly charged moment, collectively contending with historical systemic racism, and the ongoing worldwide pandemic and resulting economic crises, arts council officials say creativity is the tool needed for healing, growth, community building, civic engagement, and ongoing collaboration. The arts and diverse cultural expressions built a grand Newburgh and they continue to actively shape its resurging creative identity, one that is anti-racist and working toward equity for all, they said.
The study is a city-wide conversation that takes stock of itself: who is participating in or creating cultural experiences for the public, how do they impact the city, and what supports are needed to promote equity, increase access and participation, nurture development, and build capacity.
The resulting report, data, and maps will establish a benchmark, and offer a rich and in-depth understanding of the city’s cultural assets, the arts officials said. With this guidance, stakeholders can make decisions and policies that best support Newburgh’s growing cultural landscape and a creative economy that benefits all.
