The New York State Council on the Arts Awards 116 Capital Awards in Agency's Final Funding Round of Fiscal Year
Spanning 10 Regions, 60% of $50 Million in NYSCA Capital Funding Awarded Outside of New York City Since 2018
In 2022, NYSCA Has Awarded More Than $100 Million for the First Time in Agency History
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 116 Capital Project grants were awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts. In the agency's final funding round of Fiscal Year 2022, NYSCA awarded $20 million throughout the state, bringing its grant making total for the year to an historic $100 million. Capital Projects range from innovative construction renovations to critical equipment updates that prioritize health and safety upgrades. These grants reflect the breadth and depth of New York State's art sector with projects that will spur economic development, job growth, and access to arts and culture experiences in all 10 regions.
"Capital Projects create safer, healthier, and more accessible spaces across New York State," Governor Hochul said. "From our vibrant cultural anchors, to celebrated historical sites, our arts and cultural spaces represent the ingenuity of New York and preserve our state's rich history and character. Congratulations to all grantees embarking on these transformative projects that will demonstrate the arts are both back and thriving."
In this round, NYSCA prioritized small and medium sized organizations as well as first-time Capital Projects applicants. In addition to the 70 awards in the $50,000 to $1 million range, NYSCA provided additional support for capital projects through its local funding, awarding 46 organizations with $10,000 grants for equipment upgrades and facilities improvements. All $10,000 grants support organizations with operating budgets under $1 million, bringing the total number of capital awards to 116. The majority of grants in the $50,000 to $1 million category will support organizations outside of New York City.
Mara Manus, Executive Director, New York State Council on the Arts said, "Capital Projects large and small drive long-term economic development for our State by creating hundreds of jobs, supporting Main Street businesses and tourism, and promoting social engagement. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our State leaders for their recognition of the integral role arts and cultural spaces play in strengthening and revitalizing New York's cities, towns, and villages."
Katherine Nicholls, Chair, New York State Council on the Arts said, "Investing in projects that promote accessibility, energy efficiency, and sustainability is essential as we rebuild New York State and move towards an even brighter future. The Council on the Arts recognizes the economic hardships arts and cultural organizations have confronted over the past two years. We are proud to invest in these inspiring projects that will fuel economic growth and promote vitality in communities across New York State."
Grantees include:
Bushwick Starr (New York City) -The grant will fund construction of a new 5,000-square-foot performance venue in Brooklyn and provide the Bushwick Starr with a permanent home for its artists and audiences.
Chenango County Historical Society & Museum (Southern Tier) -Funding will support masonry restoration and architectural preservation on the historic Ward School No. 2 building where the museum operates public spaces for programming about its community's rich cultural history.
The Hochstein School (Finger Lakes) - Grant dollars will support the renovation of Hochstein's Performance Hall, an historic public arts space serving thousands in the greater Rochester community.
Women's Studio Workshop (Mid-Hudson) - Funding will support the restoration and redevelopment of a historic 1800s era brick arched oil house into a new ceramics studio, artist book editions studio, and five rental studio spaces for local artists.
A full list of grantees can be found here.
NYSCA Capital funding invested to date totals $50 million, which has been awarded across three funding rounds. Of the 88 projects across the state that NYSCA supported in prior funding years, approximately 50% are near completion.
State Senator José M. Serrano said, "A thriving arts and culture sector is critical to the vitality of our State. NYSCA's Capital grantees will fortify our state's arts ecosystem, advancing compelling and innovative projects after two years of immense challenge. I am proud to support the growth and revitalization of nonprofit arts organizations around the state, and applaud Governor Hochul and NYSCA for their work to ensure New York remains a vibrant cultural destination."
Assemblymember Danny O'Donnell said, "New York is a global beacon for arts and culture, and every dollar invested in the arts supports jobs, culture, and economic growth in every region of New York State. The pandemic has illuminated and exacerbated the severe challenges faced by the arts and culture sector, and this vital Capital funding will be transformative for organizations and their communities. The work of these Capital grantees strengthens our economy, supports the health of all New Yorkers, and enriches our lives. I am very proud that New York State has stepped up and delivered support to the longstanding capital needs of our arts sector. I applaud Gov. Hochul for her continued championing of the arts and for her commitment to ensuring that our arts and cultural institutions thrive in our collective recovery."
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