Investing further into New York City’s hip hop legacy and culture, the Mayor’s office this week announced that the Universal Hip Hop Museum will receive a total of $5.5 million in new capital funding.
The Universal Hip Hop Museum development plans include a black box theater, gallery spaces, interactive displays, and office spaces. The construction of the museum is expected to be finished by fall 2025.
NYC further reported:
“Whether you are in Co-op City or Canarsie, New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to learn about some of the unique cultures in their backyard,” said Mayor Adams. “Hip Hop tells the story of this city and the Bronx so vividly. It tells life amid poverty and crime, of turning pain into purpose, of making it. That’s why I’m proud to announce our administration’s commitment of $2 million in new capital funding for the Universal Hip Hop Museum, alongside $3.5 million from the local elected officials. The newer generation may not know about the history of hip hop in the Bronx, however, when we support our cultural groups, we allow the people of this city to connect and find these local jewels that serve as passports to historic destinations.”
“From Wave Hill, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, Pregones Theater, the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, the Bronx Children’s Museum, the Universal Hip Hop Museum, and so many others, we are grateful to the mayor and Commissioner Cumbo for prioritizing equity and fairness in making sure our cultural facilities receive the necessary support to keep their doors open,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
Mayor Adams has invested a historic $127 million in capital support across the five boroughs, which – along with funding from the City Council and borough presidents – brings a total of more than $220 million in capital funding to 70 cultural groups citywide. This allocation has been made alongside a record-setting city expense allocation for DCLA of more than $237 million, and will be distributed through DCLA’s grant programs to more than 1,000 groups across the city. This investment in New York City’s cultural community will be distributed in support of a broad, equitable recovery that ensures all New Yorkers have access to the joy, education, and transformative benefits of cultural activity.
