Creative Bronx: A Platform for a Thriving Economy

Vision: A Bronx where creativity fuels inclusive economic growth.

1. Create the Bronx Office of Cultural & Creative Economy (BOCCE):
   Staffed with policy experts and community liaisons.
   Map Bronx cultural assets.
   Coordinate borough-wide creative programming and funding.

2. Establish Borough-Designated Cultural and Creative Districts:
   Define areas like Mott Haven, Fordham Road, and Hunts Point as cultural corridors.
   Establish cultural communities for the Yemeni, Bengali, and African communities.
   Advocate for state legislation (S1358) supporting these districts.

3. Allocate Discretionary Capital for Arts Infrastructure:
   Invest in stabilizing key institutions and expanding affordable creative spaces.
   Fund public art and cultural streetscapes.

4. Launch the Bronx Creative Works Fund:
   $5,000–$25,000 grants to artists, collectives, and cultural groups.
   Prioritize BIPOC, youth-led, and LGBTQ+ projects.

5. Appoint Cultural Ambassadors to Community Boards:
   Place an arts leader on every Bronx Community Board.
   Integrate cultural considerations into local planning.

6. Host the Annual Bronx Creative Economy Summit:
   Convene artists, funders, and policymakers.
   Publish an annual “State of the Creative Bronx” report.

7. Expand Arts Education and Workforce Development:
   Advocate for full arts programs in every Bronx public school.
   Partner with colleges to create arts and creative tech pipelines.

8. Expand Public Art Initiatives:
   Install murals, sculptures, and artist-designed infrastructure across neighborhoods.
   Develop a “Bronx Mural District” map.