"The Clemente is uniquely able to serve as a community anchor, and has long been an affordable, collaborative hub for multidisciplinary, independent cultural producers, building multigenerational leadership, promoting community ground practice, and unmistakably holding our communities together in times of crisis. We could not be more thrilled to build on this work together with Yazmany Arboleda, the LES artist-in-residence at New York City Civic Engagement Commission, who first conceptualized The People's Bus. We look forward to the transformative practices and nurture of the role culture plays in protecting a healthy democracy as we engage together with our shared communities," said Libertad Guerra, Executive Director of The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center.

“The Civic Engagement Commission is excited to collaborate with NYC Speaks, The People's Bus, and The Clemente Center on community conversations that center arts in civic engagement. As a new agency, the Civic Engagement Commission has been enriched by our collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Public Artist in Residency program. Throughout the pandemic and with Yazmany Arboleda’s creative leadership, the transformation of The People's Bus and the accompanying People’s Festival have helped connect us with diverse New York City communities and affirm community resilience in powerful ways. We’re looking forward to continuing this programming in the coming months,” said Dr. Sarah Sayeed, Chair and Executive Director, Civic Engagement Commission.

“Active civic engagement and a robust arts and culture scene are integral to a healthy and resilient New York. Well-funded and accessible cultural institutions strengthen communities and improve economic outcomes while reducing crime, and it’s lovely to have the opportunity to spread awareness of this fact through civic events like this one to ensure that this fiscal year’s budget adequately funds the cultural groups and institutions that are the lifeblood of our city,” said Council Member Chi Ossé

"We're so excited for The People's Bus to roll into its new home at The Clemente, kicking off an incredible partnership between two arts groups deeply committed to community and culture," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. "This NYC Speaks engagement is the perfect way to launch this new partnership, and we're encouraging everyone to come and join The People's Conversation and let us know how our city's arts and culture could be better served, supported, and integrated into the life of New York City. NYC Speaks has been a historic effort to invite New Yorkers to weigh in with a collective voice on the future of their city, and arts and culture have to be at the center of that conversation. Thank you to our hosts for bringing together this amazing culturally-focused civic event."

“By engaging neighborhoods through Community Conversations, NYC Speaks ensures all New Yorkers have an opportunity to contribute to the direction of our city. I am proud to join the Mayor’s Office and the New York City Civic Engagement Commission in efforts to develop programming for citywide participatory budgeting and celebrate the new permanent home of The People’s Bus at The Clemente, a beloved arts and education center in the Lower East Side whose contributions to the community extend far beyond this neighborhood, and even this City,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera.