WFF was pleased to attend a press conference at City Hall hosted by City Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher to announce their proposed new legislation that will lower the barriers to create affordable housing for artists in New York City. Folks from Actors’ Equity, Broadway Cares, Schubert Organization, National Black Theatre, Entertainment Community Fund, New York Foundation for the Arts, and unions representing set and wardrobe designers, dancers, musicians, and more joined them behind the podium to speak up in support of this legislation, which recognizes the need for greater investment in those who make this city a thriving cultural capital. “What is New York City without artists?” Council Member Bottcher asked the crowd.

Speakers, including Broadway legend André De Shields, shared moving stories about the creative careers and communities they were able to build thanks to stable and affordable housing, while younger artists described the struggles they face today just trying to pay rent that far outpaces their wages. NYFA’s Board Chair, Sarah Young O’Donnell, spoke about our partnership on the WFF HSG (and gave a shout-out to Betty, Francesca, and George!) explaining that “we’ve learned how very great the need is for affordable housing for artists in New York City.” Here at WFF, we’re grateful to be contributing to this important effort alongside so many passionate and principled advocates for artists!

Read the Gothamist article and the W42ST article here.