A city-run platform where artists can trade skills and services (e.g., a graphic designer trades a logo for a musicians score).
Mamdanis Creative Time Bank for Artist Skill Exchange
To foster collaboration and reduce the cash burden on artists, Mamdani launches the NYC Creative Time Bank, a digital platform where verified artists, musicians, writers, and performers can list skills they offer (web design, vocal coaching, video editing, grant writing) and skills they need. Hours are logged and traded one-for-one. A photographer might do a headshot session for a playwright (2 hours), then later spend those hours to get help from a copy editor on their grant application (2 hours). The city provides the platform, mediation for disputes, and occasional time dollar grants to seed new members accounts.
This builds a solidarity economy within the arts sector, encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, and helps artists access professional services they couldnt otherwise afford. Artists are rich in talent but often cash-poor. The Time Bank monetizes their skills in a non-monetary way, Mamdani explains. It builds community, reduces isolation, and creates a web of mutual support that makes it easier to sustain a creative life in this expensive city.
