Bronx Children’s Museum Inducted into prestigious NYC Cultural Institutions Group (CIG)
- bxcmorg
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 14
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 - History was made yesterday as NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) formally announced the inclusion of Bronx Children’s Museum into NYC’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) along with four organizations from boroughs throughout the city. Members of CIG receive long-term committed support from the City while providing accessible and affordable programming for all New Yorkers. Bronx Children’s Museum is the first Bronx-based organization to receive this designation in more than 45 years.
The exciting announcement took place in Brooklyn at BRIC Arts & Media, one of the other four institutions inducted yesterday. The joyous event was led by the remarkable DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo with remarks from Coco Killingsworth, president of the Cultural Institutions Group and Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrión, former Bronx Borough President and one of the originators of the Museum concept.
“I wanted to make this happen on so many levels,” said Commissioner Cumbo. “I knew that the least of what this city could do would be to invest in the dreams and the aspirations of the children of the Bronx, who have been, for so long, underserved and underresourced.”
Deputy Mayor Carrión remarked “The additions of these five institutions is an amazing gift to the future generations that will pass through these spaces and continue their exploration, their discovery, their learning about who we are as human beings. The Arts is the glue that keeps this free, open Democratic society intact. The members of the Cultural Institutions Group have always reflected the idea that culture is not a luxury. It is a public good. Culture is something for all New Yorkers.”
Each organization’s Executive Director/President spoke briefly followed by a short performance from each group.
BxCM Executive Director Denise Rosario Adusei gave a heartwarming speech thanking Commissioner Cumbo, Deputy Mayor Carrión, the BxCM Board, Staff, Elected Officials, former Board President Hope Harley, Former Executive Director Carla Precht and all the advocates that brought the Museum to this moment. She spoke passionately of the Museum’s mission, the importance of this designation and the significance of recognizing the children’s voices of the Bronx.
“Being welcomed into the New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group is a historic milestone for both the Bronx Children’s Museum and our borough,” said Adusei. “This investment not only enhances New York City as a place to raise children but also pays tribute to the remarkable families who call the Bronx home.”
BxCM staff presented a story time of My Block Looks Like, led by Jessica Jackson featuring author Janelle Harper and DJ Luss with backup singing by BxCM staffers Natahsa Gordon and Kyria Jimenez. Background visuals were created by Berka Ngong and a 14’ banner was displayed featuring a mural produced by Christopher Gomez with contributing artwork created by children in the Museum.
The CIG is one of the city’s strongest and longest-lasting public-private partnerships, made up of museums, historical societies, performing arts centers, botanic gardens, and zoos on city-owned property. Originally established in 1869 with the American Museum of Natural History, the CIG has grown sporadically over the years. Other Bronx institutions include New York Botanical Gardens, the Bronx Zoo (Wildlife Conservation Society), Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx County Historical Society and Wave Hill.
The four other institutions inducted into CIG are BRIC Arts and Media (Brooklyn), The Louis Armstrong House Museum (Queens), The Noble Maritime Collection (Staten Island), and Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (Manhattan/Bronx).
Press Coverage:
New York Times
Hyperallergic
Official NYC Mayor’s Office Press Release
Bronx Times
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