NY S00115

Amends the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law to add "culture" and "cultural preservation" alongside arts throughout the statute, recognizing racial and social inequities as barriers to cultural participation

Declares state policy to support and promote greater access, diversity, equity, and inclusion in arts and cultural programming

Requires that the 21-member Council on the Arts be broadly representative of cultural preservation and development, with appointments giving consideration to diversity and historic inequities in representation

Expands the Council's powers to include engaging and supporting culturally diverse nonprofit arts and culture organizations that advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial and social justice

Directs the Council to consider equitable access to contracting opportunities and allows grant consideration for applicants demonstrating ability to use arts or culture to address racial and social justice issues