NYC unveils “Create in Place” to protect cultural spaces, creative economy

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, unveiled the “NYC Create in Place” pilot program aimed at preserving and expanding creative spaces for cultural organizations and businesses across the city.

This initiative, announced today, is a response to rising costs, real estate challenges, and limited access to government resources affecting the city’s cultural sector.

“Art and culture are woven into the fabric of every community in New York City, often driven by small, local spaces that serve as hubs for community and connection for New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “The COVID-19 pandemic left many of our cultural organizations threatened by funding and space challenges. NYC Create in Place will provide technical assistance and support to help preserve these incredible institutions and the value they bring to their communities.”

The program introduces a centralized online resource hub offering technical assistance, funding opportunities, webinars, and best practices to help cultural organizations navigate challenges. Organizations and landlords with available creative spaces can also list properties, allowing the Create in Place team to connect them with cultural groups seeking space.

“With NYC Create in Place, we’re offering a powerful new tool to aid community-based cultural and creative spaces when they need it most,” said DCLA Commissioner Cumbo. “This initiative will help them maintain a lasting foothold in their communities by navigating resources and assistance programs.”

The program aligns with Mayor Adams’ “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent” economic recovery plan and addresses recommendations from the “New” New York action plan, emphasizing affordable spaces for artists and arts organizations. The city’s creative sector is a major economic driver, supporting 300,000 jobs and generating $110 billion in economic impact.

“Create in Place acknowledges the vital role the creative sector plays in making New York City the magnetic and inspiring global hub that it is,” said B.J. Jones, executive director of the “New” New York Initiative. “This program is an important step in addressing long-standing affordability challenges by connecting the creative community with resources, partnerships, and solutions.”

The Interagency Create in Place Task Force will coordinate citywide efforts to support cultural and creative spaces. Led by the DCLA, the task force includes agencies such as the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, the Department of Small Business Services, and the Office of Nightlife, among others. This collaborative approach ensures the initiative addresses space-related challenges comprehensively and equitably.

The program has garnered widespread support from community leaders and cultural advocates. New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar praised its focus on real estate expertise for artists, saying, “This program will supercharge our arts scene by providing technical support on securing creative spaces, preventing tragedies like the closures of CBGB or Lenox Lounge.”

Rafael Espinal, president of the Freelancers Union, emphasized its impact on the city’s cultural workforce: “NYC Create in Place is a groundbreaking step in preserving the spaces that cultural organizations rely on to sustain their craft and livelihood. Creative spaces are the backbone of New York’s vibrant neighborhoods.”

Starting in January 2025, the program will host workshops and panels addressing key issues in the creative sector, including legal guidance on commercial leases and nonprofit formation. These initiatives aim to empower cultural organizations with the tools needed to navigate challenges and secure long-term sustainability.

“New York City desperately needs more spaces available to the arts and culture community,” said Paul Leibowitz, founder of Plot Real Estate Advisory. “NYC Create in Place is a visionary effort that provides invaluable resources to preserve, find, and develop vibrant spaces for New York City’s creatives.”

As the city continues to recover from the pandemic’s economic impact, the launch of NYC Create in Place marks a significant step in safeguarding the cultural and creative institutions that define New York’s identity and drive its economy.