New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker On The Arts In His Administration

As Democrat Justin Elicker prepares to assume office Jan. 1 as the 51st mayor of New Haven, what is on his mind in regards to arts and culture, one of the defining aspects of his city’s identity? We talked to the mayor-elect in early December on the subject of the arts and how it relates to the city’s economy — and how it relates to the community. The following is an edited version of that conversation.

Philosophically, how do you see the role of municipal government with regard to the arts?

In general, the role of government is to make people have more opportunities to succeed, and there are many ways government can implement policies that can level the playing field and eliminate barriers. The arts are one way that can enable people to thrive. What I mean by that is, some view the arts in New Haven as people from the suburbs coming into the city to watch a concert, or go to the theater and then perhaps to dine out — and there’s a certain economic advantage to that. But that’s not really going to move the dial on people improving their lives. I think the government’s role is in nudging the arts towards investing in communities that are struggling, and using the limited resources we have to support local artists.

Do you anticipate changes in the city’s arts, culture and tourism office?

There’s not a huge budget there. I’m currently exploring who I think would be the right fit in that position [to head the office, currently vacant], and who would collaborate with the [Cultural Affairs Commission]. I also think there should be collaboration with our public schools to provide talent and to be sure the arts are used as a tool in the public schools.

I think the branding [of New Haven as Connecticut’s cultural capital] is important, but it’s only one component of what’s important in that position. The branding should not only highlight New Haven as a destination, but highlight the incredible other innate attributes of the city. It’s not only about the Shubert Theatre, but also places like [smaller theater groups] Broken Umbrella Theatre and Collective Consciousness Theatre. What’s important is highlighting what is coming out of New Haven, and see it as a place that is producing art, and not just seeing art that comes from other places.

With housing at a premium in New Haven and older factories and warehouses being converted into apartments, is there a danger of the city becoming unaffordable for young artists to live and to have studios here?

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