HV arts and cultural organizations sharing in state $32M funding pool

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in the Hudson Valley are among those receiving money for 102 projects through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Capital Projects Fund.

“The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the state and spur economic development for decades to come,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “From historic sites to new multi-use arts centers, these diverse projects will expand the accessibility and the sustainability of arts and culture organizations while growing local economies, driving tourism and creating jobs all across New York state.”

According to Erika Mallin, executive director of NYSCA, “These projects are essential to the prosperity and well-being of our creative industry and our communities, especially as we continue to navigate the recovery of our creative sector. This support will help stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations for now and for the future.”

Since the Capital Fund Project began in 2018, the agency has awarded 473 capital grants, totaling $214 million. In addition, NYSCA has awarded $80 million in non-capital grants to more than 1,000 arts organizations and more than 500 individual artists for Fiscal Year 2024. The Fiscal Year 2025 state budget Enacted Budget includes $160 million to cover new grants by NYSCA.

Hudson Valley recipients include:

Arc Stages located in Westchester, $50,000 for acquiring a theater sound system; ArtsWestchester located in White Plains, $386,000 for accessibility and sustainability improvements at its Arts Exchange building; Bard College in Dutchess County, $51,000 for safety and accessibility upgrades; Bethany Arts Community in Westchester, $50,000 for setting up an internet network; Kaatsbaan International Dance Center in Dutchess, $50,000 for roof replacement at its gatehouse; Katonah Museum of Art in Westchester, $25,000 for security system replacement; Opus 40 sculpture park in Ulster, $350,000 for fortifying and developing the park; Pleasantville Community Television in Westchester, $50,000 to update equipment and create a new combination studio and classroom; Shandaken Theatrical Society in Ulster, $25,000 for phase one improvements to enhance the patron experience; The Center for Photography at Woodstock in Ulster, $50,000 for new ADA-compliant bathrooms; Upstate Films Limited in Ulster, $50,000 to update the Orpheum Theater marquee; Van Wyck Council on the Arts and Culture in Dutchess, $50,000 for restoration of a building portico; Yonkers Arts in Westchester, $25,000 for multimedia equipment and space improvements.