On Friday, July 14, ArtsWestchester awarded more than $550,000 in grants to 164 groups in Westchester and Rockland counties through a New York State Senate Arts Initiative.
The funding has been made available by State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to enable ArtsWestchester to expand its support of cultural programs in community sites such as libraries, parks and schools.
Award recipients include a poetry workshop at The Loft in White Plains,”¯an African dance community program at the New Rochelle Public Library and an environmentally themed photography exhibit at the Yonkers Riverfront Library.
The Statewide Community Regrants Program (known as ArtsWestchester”™s Arts Alive grants program) is administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) with the support of Gov. Kathy Hochul”™s Office and the New York state Legislature.
“This critical state funding, which puts decision-making through ArtsWestchester at the local level, allows us to reach into every corner of the community and deepen our commitment to accessibility and equity,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Janet T. Langsam, adding that grantees include 65 first-time recipients.
”¯“It”™s important to note that across the nation, 72% of Americans believe ”˜the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race and ethnicity”™ and 73% agree that art ”˜helps me understand other cultures better,”™” Stewart-Cousins added.”¯“Our vibrant arts community adds so much value to Westchester. Art”¯brings joy and works to unite us all. I am proud that, under my leadership, the Senate has made unprecedented investments in the arts throughout the county and state.”
Added New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Mara Manus: “Now, more than ever, it is essential to recognize how the arts live in our communities and neighborhoods with measurable impact to our personal and economic health.”
For more, visit artswestchester.org.
