Harlem Advocates Head To NY Capitol

Harlem - HARLEM Arts Alliance (HAA) will travel to the State Building in Albany, New York with local artists, organizations and supporters to meet and voice their concerns to State representatives. As a part of this state-wide day of arts advocacy, a bus will depart on Tuesday, February 8 at 6:45 a.m. from Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building (163 West 125th Street at Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard /7th Avenue, New York, NY 10027) and take constituents to Albany.

“Now more than ever it is critical for the arts community in Harlem to raise its voice to advocate for continued state support of the arts and for equitable funding for the arts in Harlem and for communities of color across the state,” says Michael Unthank, Executive Director of HARLEM Arts Alliance. “With the new administration in Albany, and the continued fiscal crisis, we must voice our concern that the arts remain a priority in New York precisely because of the enormous benefits both economically and culturally that they bring to our state.”

The journey to Albany will also be an opportunity for HARLEM Arts Alliancemembers, supporters of the arts and other arts organizations from Harlem and all boroughs to galvanize and network. “The bus will act as a mobile conference room to strategize and network as arts organizations,” says Kim George, HARLEM Arts Alliance Associate Director.

HARLEM Arts Alliance urges all arts organizations and supporters to join this movement.

About HARLEM Arts Alliance
HARLEM Arts Alliance (HAA) is a not-for-profit service organization committed to the development of artists and arts organizations in Harlem and its surrounding communities. Comprised of over 750 individual artists and arts organizations, HAA plays an essential role by helping to build the resources, network, and capacity of its richly diverse membership. Counted among its members are young emerging artists as well as established and internationally recognized artists. Also represented are small grassroots organizations and major cultural institutions in Harlem and beyond. In addition, HAA maintains strong partnerships with numerous arts organization and institutions throughout New York State, the region and the nation to maintain vital collaborative efforts to promote the arts in communities.