For more than 30 years, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) has presented and supported the arts throughout downtown. And since the fall of 2001, LMCC has worked tirelessly to help rebuild the communities of Lower Manhattan and to offer a wide array of arts programs for families, workers and visitors.

"What Comes After:  Cities, Art and Recovery" is LMCC's effort to celebrate the spirit of the living as we honor the memory of those who died. This summit grows out of our own experience. LMCC had its home at the World Trade Center.  We lost the life of an artist on 9/11.  We also lost our offices, our performance venues and our artist residency on the 91st Floor of Tower One where countless artists were free to explore the range of their creativity in the heart of the Financial District.

The trauma of 9/11 remains with LMCC daily.  The grievous loss on that day was our loss - as it was the loss for countless others. As downtown rebuilds we believe there is an opportunity for the great international city of New York to reach out to cities in our own country and around the world that have suffered their own violence and whose artists have responded in ways New Yorkers are eager to experience and understand.

"Cities, Art and Recovery” will bring together literally hundreds of people - including many 9/11 family members - of many backgrounds, beliefs and experiences to create a strong sense of community and hope in Lower Manhattan.  The arts have always been a way for people to understand their world - to celebrate, to offer criticism, to imagine the future.  People will see and hear art work and points of view that run the entire political spectrum.  

We believe that "Cities, Art and Recovery" will be a great experience of democracy and freedom.  And we believe there can be no greater tribute to answer those who hate or fear the great cultural diversity that freedom brings forth.

Tom Healy
President