Honor Flushing Arts Council

Senate Resolution No. 679 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMENDING the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts upon the occasion of hosting Flushing Town Hall's 40th Annual Gala on June 6, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts upon the occasion of hosting Flushing Town Hall's 40th Annual Gala on Thursday, June 6,

2019; and WHEREAS, Established in 1979, the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) serves as a steward of Flushing Town Hall, restoring, managing and programming the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York; and WHEREAS, Beginning in 1990, FCCA began a 9-year, eight million dollar restoration of historic Flushing Town Hall, transforming it into a thriving multi-disciplinary arts center which includes a 308-seat theater, gallery, garden, classroom and rehearsal space; and WHEREAS, As advocates of arts equity, FCCA joined New York City's Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) in 1995; the organization is also a Smithsonian Affiliate; and WHEREAS, A true asset to the community, FCCA completed new renovations to the exterior garden and front portico of Flushing Town Hall in 2013, and one year later, completed an extensive interior renovation project; and WHEREAS, The hallmark of FCCA's current programming is a cross-cultural focus through works which fuse or bridge different cultures, as well as larger programs which bring together presentations of art forms from different parts of the world; and WHEREAS, This approach aims to engage diverse audiences in appreciation of each other's rich cultural heritage, fostering a mutual respect and understanding to build community, in an environment in which people from across the globe share the same space; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, FCCA presents multi-disciplinary global arts which engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, New York, fostering mutual appreciation; and WHEREAS, FCCA serves one of the most diverse communities in the world, and continues to strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness which has defined the community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts upon the occasion of hosting Flushing Town Hall's 40th Annual Gala on June 6, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts.