New York City councilmembers are weighing a contentious question: should the housing needs of artists be prioritized over other residents struggling with affordability? A recent report highlights a significant decline in the city’s artist population, raising concerns about the future of its cultural landscape.
Artist Exodus from New York City
Since 2019, the city has lost 4.4% of its artists, according to the Center for an Urban Future. However, the losses are not evenly distributed. Neighborhoods historically known for their artistic communities have experienced particularly steep declines. Over the last decade, the Upper West Side saw a 32% drop, while Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen lost 18%, and Harlem experienced a 17% decrease.
The Lower East Side and Chinatown have been hit hardest, with a combined loss of nearly 56% of their artist populations since 2013. Even Bushwick, nationally recognized for its creative community, has seen a 5% decline due to rising housing costs.
Proposed Solutions and Political Hurdles
The Center for an Urban Future warns that New York City risks losing its position as a global arts and culture hub if artists cannot afford to live there. The Center’s report, released on Wednesday, proposes creating 5,000 affordable housing units specifically for artists by 2030. Eli Dvorkin, the editorial and policy director at the Center, stated that the city has “effectively built zero units of artist housing over the past decade.”
Legislation currently before the City Council aims to address potential legal barriers by establishing that giving preference to artists in housing programs does not violate anti-discrimination laws. Council Speaker Julie Menin has publicly expressed support for the bill and plans a public hearing. However, the proposal faces potential headwinds, as prioritizing one group could generate resentment in a city where many struggle to afford housing.
The Economic Reality for Artists
Advocates emphasize that the vast majority of artists are not high earners. In 2022, 90% of New York City artists earned less than $50,000 annually, and they earn 23% less than the national average after adjusting for cost of living. The pandemic further exacerbated the situation, with significant declines in the number of dancers (19%), actors (8%), composers (7.6%), and set/exhibition designers (45%) since 2019.
Some, like photographer Brian Palmer, have already been forced to leave the city. After moving to Richmond, Virginia, Palmer and his wife were able to purchase a home, a financial stability he attributes to the lower cost of living. “Certainly if options had been available way back in the day…we would’ve been able to stick around in the city,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the proposed legislation aim to do?
The bill before the City Council would establish that giving preference to artists in state or city housing programs does not violate human rights laws prohibiting discrimination based on occupation.
Which neighborhoods have experienced the most significant loss of artists?
The Lower East Side and Chinatown have lost nearly 56% of their artist population since 2013, while the Upper West Side has seen a 32% decline in the last decade.
What is the Center for an Urban Future’s recommendation?
The Center recommends creating 5,000 affordable housing units specifically for artists by 2030, and incentivizing the development of artist housing across the five boroughs.
As New York City grapples with its affordability crisis, how should policymakers balance the needs of the creative community with the broader demand for housing for all residents?
