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State Sen. Jose M. Serrano says arts funding and parks are tools for social change
Summary
On BronxNet's Open, State Sen. Jose M. Serrano described efforts to raise New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) funding, highlighted local public-art projects in the South Bronx and framed arts and parks as contributors to youth outcomes and mental wellness.
State Sen. Jose M. Serrano told BronxNet listeners that boosting public investment in arts and parks is a core part of his work as chair of the state Senate committee on cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation.
"I am happy to say over the last few years, we've really helped bump up the NYSCA budget," Serrano said, describing legislative efforts to reverse decades of underfunding. He argued that modest public spending on arts education, cultural programs and park access produces social and economic returns for neighborhoods including the South Bronx and East Harlem.
Serrano recounted an early career in arts administration at The Public Theater that informed his approach to policy. He said public-art installations and community projects — citing recent Step Streets efforts near his neighborhood — help connect residents to culture and green space.
On policy, Serrano linked arts investment to broader outcomes: he said arts and parks can support mental wellness, improve graduation rates and produce economic benefits when communities invest in creative programs. "It was a vehicle for social change," he said, summarizing how arts initiatives can open civic conversations that other forums sometimes do not.
The senator also described recent statewide advocacy in Albany that sought increased arts line items in the state budget and said city and state officials are more aligned on arts priorities than in past years. The interview aired as part of BronxNet's community-focused hour.
