Economic Development through a Creative Economy

The mission of Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is to encourage and increase the public’s awareness and participation in the arts, and to nurture the development of artists and arts and cultural organizations. The BCA is working to establish a creative economy in the South Bronx where local artists and cultural events help spur sustainable economic development. The diversity, richness of indigenous art and artists, ripeness for economic development and its proximity to Manhattan give the South Bronx the potential for a thriving creative economy. The Capstone team has made recommendations to implement a strategic plan, with the goals of bolstering small business activity, building professional capacity of artists and artisans, engaging residents in the cultural life of the neighborhood, and promoting the area within the borough and to the general public in New York City and beyond.