Our Mission

For over 35 years, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) has been the leading arts presenter, advocate, and service provider to artists and arts groups throughout the borough of Manhattan. LMCC was founded in 1973 by forward-looking business and civic leaders, namely David Rockefeller and Flory Barnett, and called the World Trade Center home until 9/11. The Council, which was created shortly after the Twin Towers were built, was originally established to humanize the architecture of the World Trade Center Plaza.

LMCC grew as downtown grew and today we are Manhattan’s largest and farthest-reaching arts council, bringing diverse cultural experiences to new audiences in unexpected ways and serving as a gateway to culture, information, and resources across all five boroughs.

“Art Happens Here” is our motto, and we are deeply committed to the fundamental bonds between art, culture, and the quality of life in New York City.

Audited Financial Statements

Each year, LMCC is audited by an independent firm of certified public accountants.
Our most recent audited financial statements can be found below.

IRS Form 990

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, LMCC is required to file an IRS Form 990 each year.
Our most recent Forms 990 can be found below.

Look & Listen »

Slideshows, Recordings, & Videos

John Burnside

Poems & Pints: John Burnside

John Burnside read selections from his “desirably scarce” collection, The Hunt in the Forest.

Meena Alexander

Poems & Pints: Meena Alexander

Meena Alexander read selections from her most recent collection Quickly Changing River as well as a few newer as-yet-unpublished pieces.

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