Arden Armbruster

I’m a researcher interested in the social value of the arts, its relationship to cultural and public policy, and how actors in the arts field navigate the political arena.

Currently, I’m a lead budget and policy analyst covering cultural affairs and the criminal legal system at the NYC Independent Budget Office. In that role, I work to make information about New York City available and understandable so people can shape their city and their futures. Have a question about the city’s economy, budget, or policies? Ask IBO.

I also teach applied quantitative methods to arts administrators at Teachers College with Gonzalo Casals, and I host an arts researchers meetup in NYC with Dr. Annie Bares. (Local arts data nerds, get in touch for an invite!)

My research has been covered by media outlets including the New York Daily News, Gothamist, and the Queens Eagle. You can watch me talk about my work on NYT Close Up and during testimony before the NYC City Council.

Find me knitting, petting cats, listening to/looking at art, reading, and learning to take film photos.