I'm committed with the artistic community at NY7 by proposing the creation of
The Williamsburg Arts District and reinstating arts education programs in
schools.
I pursued formal studies in piano
performance at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. As an artist, I understand the value of arts
education as a integral component in the development of an individual. I have talked to musicians, dancers,
painters, photographers, filmmakers, and many others throughout the
district. I feel their energy through
NY7, and realize that we must do something greater.
Williamsburg,
Brooklyn has the infrastructure, resources and talent to turn the area into a
world-class arts district as a model for economic development.
What has Nydia Velázquez done for the
artistic community in NY7? What has she
done to recognize the work of artists who share their energy with the
city? She has not secured federal
funding available to keep arts education programs in schools, reason why many
departments have been closing in schools.
I commit to finding federal resources to
structure a master plan for the creation of The Williamsburg Arts District,
where we can provide incentives for artists to remain in the city. Unfortunately, many have moved out as a
result of the higher cost of living. We
need to refurbish old building/warehouses and turn them into workspaces and
housing facilities. Artists don’t have
an adequate workspace that would allow them to remain in the city and continue with
their work. There are only a few
galleries left in the city… we must bring them back!
We have to see this as an integral model
for economic development. It’s good for
the artists, good for small businesses in the area who will see the benefit of
increased activity in the arts district, good for residents who appreciate arts
and culture, it will attract more tourism, it’s good for the economy and good
for the city. It’s an initiative that
should have been secured a long time ago.
As an artist myself, as part of this community, I am committed to secure
the funding to make it happen, just as we have seen it in other U.S. cities and
abroad.
I will close my campaign for
Congress this evening, stopping by Beautique Restaurant in Manhattan and
performing with my friend Natascha Bessez and her ensemble at 8:30pm.
We
have done the work, I have connected with constituents throughout NY7, shared
our message and our commitment for education, economic development, equality,
comprehensive immigration reform, sustainable living, public safety, health and
the arts. It’s now time to VOTE! Time to JOIN THE NEW MAJORITY @ NY7
Twitter: @JLFNY7
Instagram:
JLFernandezForCongress
