Kallos Receives Endorsement from the League of Independent Theater

New York, N.Y. – The League of Independent Theater of New York has endorsed Ben Kallos for City Council in Manhattan's District Five, differentiating Kallos as the arts candidate for the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. LIT is the only 501(c) 6 independent theater advocacy group in New York City, and a key part of the local arts and culture community. Together with partners, LIT serves more than 50,000 independent performing artists.

"I'm thrilled to accept LIT's endorsement. New York City's vibrant cultural life is an essential part of what makes it great, and I will always make it a priority when I'm in City Hall," said Kallos.
 
In keeping with Kallos’ action-oriented campaign, much work with LIT advancing its platform to help the off-Broadway and fringe theater communities is already underway. Kallos has demonstrated his commitment to the arts by:
 

• Bringing LIT and arts advocacy group Fractured Atlas together on a portal to NYC arts spaces database;
• Working with LIT and the Municipal Arts Society to open up privately owned public spaces (POPS) for performance and rehearsal space; and
• Exploring initiatives to revolutionize the relationship between the cultural community and our public schools.

 
 LIT is the first arts organization to endorse in the race, throwing itself behind Kallos for his strong vision for New York's performing arts, as well as its museums, galleries, events, arts in city schools. Kallos has a history of support and action on behalf of the cultural community.

"We're proud to support someone as dynamic and effective as Ben Kallos as our pro-arts candidate," said LIT Executive Director John Clancy. "Ben impressed us enormously at our candidates forum this spring, and he has a great record of getting things done – from putting Albany legislation online to promote transparency to leading the charge to get rid of a corrupt state senator. I’m confident he'll be a powerful voice for New York City arts and culture."
 
Kallos supports an Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island in which art is even more a part of daily public life, including "Art for Public's Sake"— rotating displays for all to enjoy. As a Chief of Staff in the Assembly, he worked to promote the New York State Income Tax Arts Check-off to help facilitate elective contributions to a thriving local arts culture.
 
“Ben is committed to working hard to promote the arts for all to enjoy. That’s why he’s already started work on behalf of LIT and to expand the reach of the arts,” said Arts Liaison Andy Wagner.

Kallos is no stranger to the independent theater community, having produced “Pirates of the Bronx: The Curse of Pedro Espada,” a comedy show with Laughing Liberally at The Tank, which was featured in the New York Times.

“The arts are both a cultural and economic engine for New York.  Residents of District 5 have access to some of the best cultural institutions - right in our backyard. Because we have such an amazing arts district, and it's important that its next representative be the best arts advocate possible," said Kallos. Benjamin Kallos was the Executive Director of a leading Good Government group, entrepreneur, attorney, and the former Chief of Staff for Assembly Member Jonathan Bing. Learn more about his run for City Council District 5 to succeed Jessica Lappin, who is running for Manhattan Borough President, at www.kallosforcouncil.com. ###