New York City Culture

New York City is home to the most diverse population in the world. It has been the chosen destination for waves of Dutch, British, African Americans, Irish, German, Italian, Jewish, Eastern European, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Korean, African and Arab migrants for centuries. The phrase “melting pot” was used to describe New York City because of the waves of immigrants from Europe that flooded the city. Because of the increased population and diversity of culture, The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs was established to support and to strengthen the city's cultural life.

This department was structured to support three divisions. The first division is the Program Services Unit, which gives funding to support groups for the city's residents and visitors. The second division is the Cultural Institutional Unit, which provides operational support in the form of utilities and other services for the buildings occupied by major cultural organization. The third division is the Capital Projects Unit, which supports capital design, construction and equipment funding.

Culture has several components, and New York City plays an important international part in each of them. The music and film components began with popular sheet music in the early 20th century. Although New York’s film industry is smaller than that of Hollywood, New York is an epicenter of film making. Theater and dance are also very prominent in New York. There are dozens of theaters that showcase talent from all around. The arts are very important to the people of New York, and the influence of the citizens' different backgrounds shows in everything that comes out of the city.