CultureAID: A New Network for the NYC Cultural Community
NYC DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCE CREATION OF CULTUREAID RECOVERY NETWORK
Network of organizations in all five boroughs incorporates lessons from past events to coordinate emergency response and facilitate sharing of resources following future disasters.
New York Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl and Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito today announced the launch of CultureAID (“Culture Active in Disasters”), a response and recovery network committed to strengthening New York City’s cultural community before, during, and after disasters.
Based on a model developed by the National Coalition of Arts Preparedness & Emergency Response, CultureAID was developed in direct response to Hurricane Sandy–which struck New York in October 2012–and to the increasing threat that severe weather and climate change pose to the region. In the days and weeks following Sandy, an enormous amount of information, technical and financial assistance, and other resources were made available to affected groups and individuals. CultureAID was developed as a way to reduce redundant communications and make efficient use of the resources available. CultureAID will also help the community prepare for the next potential disaster by sharing resources and best practices about emergency preparedness throughout the year. Cultural organizations, artists, and other stakeholders in New York City are encouraged to visit www.cultureaidnyc.com to learn more about the network. Organizations are encouraged to join by completing the opt-in form.
NYFA is honored to be co-chairing the steering committee for this initiative. Please visit the website for more information and to join.
***September is also National Preparedness Month so please share your preparedness resources and tips on Twitter at #CultureAID and #NatlPrep!
For press/media inquiries, please contact:
Ryan Max (Cultural Affairs), [email protected], (212)513-9323
Nancy Greco (Office of Emergency Management), [email protected], (718)422-8402
