Abstract

In February 2021, the New York State Comptroller published a report on the cultural and recreational sector in New York City during the pandemic. 2019 data are given of New York City’s people employed and businesses active in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector. From 2009 to 2019, employment in the sector grew by 42%, faster than total private sector employment (which had reached 30%). In the City 128,400 residents (including almost 31,000 self-employed) drew their primary source of income from the arts, entertainment and recreation sector. From 2009 to 2019, employment in the sector grew by 42%, faster than total private sector employment (which had reached 30%). As has been the case everywhere else in the world, in 2020 employment in this sector fell by 66% from the previous year, the largest decline of all economic sectors in the city. Against the COVID-19 impact, like the others, this sector benefited from the federal pandemic unemployment assistance programme for independent contractors and the self-employed. Federal Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) loans supported 62% of businesses and 70% of employment in the sector.