7.14.21 - 92nd Street Y went global during the pandemic; other nonprofits hope to follow suit
'In the year after the 92nd Street Y shut down because of the Covid-19 pandemic, its digital programs attracted nearly 4.6 million views.'
'In a typical year, 300,000 visitors walk through the Y’s doors for lectures, film screenings and other events.'
'“We went from being a New York City institution to a global institution,” Chief Executive Seth Pinsky said.
The pivot to online programming originated as a desperate move among arts and cultural organizations that wanted to retain audiences, donors and staff while they were closed during the pandemic. Now, as the organizations navigate the future of the digital offerings they have built, Bloomberg Philanthropies has stepped in to offer funding: a $30 million digital accelerator program for 46 organizations meant to help them study the question. Seventeen of the participants are in New York City.'