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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 390-09
August 26, 2009

STATEMENT OF MAYOR BLOOMBERG ON INDEPENDENT BUDGET OFFICE REVIEW OF CITY'S VASTLY IMPROVED ARTS FUNDING PROCESS

"When we implemented reforms to the Department of Cultural Affairs' funding procedures, our goal was to get more money to more organizations through an open, competitive peer-review process. The IBO's affirmation today that we are achieving that goal, benefitting cultural organizations in all five boroughs, is a testament to all of the work that has gone into streamlining the process. In particular, Cultural Affairs is recognized for improving access, attracting more applicants, enhancing fiscal stability through multi-year awards for eligible groups, and achieving a new level of transparency and accountability. Deputy Mayors Patti Harris and Ed Skyler and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin worked in close partnership with Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Council Member Dominic Recchia and the entire City Council to institute these reforms. Along with their colleagues at Cultural Affairs, they deserve a lot of credit for helping the City better serve and support our 1,400 nonprofit cultural organizations, allowing them to grow, flourish and continue to help make this the most exciting and diverse city in the world."

To read the Independent Budget Office's fiscal brief, City Revamps Arts Funding Process: More Funds for More Groups, visit: www.ibo.nyc.ny.us.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser / Andrew Brent   (212) 788-2958

Kate deRosset / Danai Pointer   (Cultural Affairs)
(212) 513-9323




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