Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Saratoga Arts is excited to announce the commencement of its long-awaited renovation to 320 Broadway. Funding for the project comes from several sources: a capital project grant award totaling $766,000 from the New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA), $1.1M in funds from the City of Saratoga Springs, as well as individual and foundation contributions. The scope of the project is to repair the building structure, including windows, roofing and draining issues as well as upgrade internal systems including HVAC, power and internal wiring systems. The renovations will also improve the Saratoga Arts’ gallery, Dee Sarno Theater, classrooms, and educational spaces on the lower level, as well as provide new indoor/outdoor access directly to Congress Park, and a patio for outdoor use.
“The state-city-community partnership is truly remarkable and shows how strong relationships across the region are bringing about not only a renovated building, but also new resources and opportunities. Everyone involved – members, donors, board members, staff, and the community – is very excited for the next iteration of Saratoga Arts,” says Amy Bloom, Executive Director. Mike Veitch, Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works City Manager, has been the point person for the renovation for the City of Saratoga Springs through the process. “As a city-owned building this renovation project will ensure that Saratoga Arts has a beautiful facility that meets its programming needs. This is an important investment that our residents can be proud of and reinforces our commitment to support the arts," said DPW Commissioner Hank Kuczynski.
While the 320 Broadway location is undergoing renovation, Saratoga Arts is partnering with several local organizations to continue offering educational programming, holding regular meetings, and hosting other events to keep the momentum going throughout 2025. Adult classes will primarily be held in the Beekman Street arts district, at CREATE Community Studios and at the Beekman Street Community Room behind the Eden Compton Gallery. "The Saratoga Springs Arts District, Inc (SSADI) is thrilled to welcome Saratoga Arts' students and teachers to our Beekman Street community. An important part of our mission is collaborating with other arts organizations to bring together creatives from all media,” said Cecilia Lockwood, Vice President of SSADI. Similarly, Julie Lewis, Saratoga Site Director for CREATE Community Studios is excited to host Saratoga Arts during the renovation. “CREATE Community Studios has always prioritized collaboration and partnership, working towards building community through art making and expressive outlets.”
Most of Saratoga Arts’ kids educational programming, including summer camp, will be held at the Saratoga Independent School (SIS). According to Bob Aherns, Head of School at SIS, "We are thrilled to partner with Saratoga Arts and welcome the community to our beautiful campus for summer classes. Saratoga Arts’ success is essential to our broader community, and SIS is proud to support its mission," said Bob Aherns, Head of School at SIS. Board and committee meetings will be held at the Saratoga Joinery on Caroline Street. “It's wonderful to see local businesses and organizations banding together to ensure our community continues to have access to the arts opportunities that Saratoga Arts has provided for decades,” said Tori Colarusso, Executive Director of Saratoga Joinery.
Saratoga Arts is deeply grateful for the community-wide support from both city and regional organizations that enable the organization to continue to grow and thrive while 320 Broadway undergoes renovation. Saratoga Arts is looking forward to returning to its building in late 2025 and already has begun planning a reopening party and other events in 2025 and into 2026.
For more information about Saratoga Arts, please go to: https://www.saratoga-arts.org/
About Saratoga Arts
Founded in 1986 by and for artists and audiences, Saratoga Arts’ mission is to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and by ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. In its 30+ years, Saratoga Arts has brought the arts to over 1,000,000 people through its programs and provided performing and visual artists opportunities to earn over $3,000,000 in art sales and performance fees. Saratoga Arts is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of our members, friends and community.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
NYSCA preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. NYSCA upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. NYSCA further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, NYSCA is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit http://www.arts.ny.gov
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Media Contact:
Amy Bloom
Executive Director
320 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone - 518-584-4132
Cell - 518-879-5487