How does Chicago’s cultural spending compare to other cities?

New York City’s buzzy progressive mayor, Zohran Mamdani, took to social media last month to announce — in multiple languages — an initiative to give thousands of free Broadway tickets to local high school students.Paired with a recent, record-setting $323.8 million allocated for New York’s Department of Cultural Affairs in the city’s budget, Mamdani appears intent on building a reputation as a culture-forward mayor. His enthusiasm comes as federal arts support has withered under President Donald Trump, and as private foundations that buttress the arts shift their priorities elsewhere. That’s made local government investment more critical than ever. Green Room Newsletter You’re subscribed!Please check your inbox for your confirmation. Stay ahead of what’s hitting Chicago stages, galleries,