Governor Hochul Announces $42 Million Investment in Small and Mid-Sized Capital Projects for Arts and Cultural Organizations

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced over $42 million has been awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts to 144 small and medium-sized capital projects. This record capital investment in arts and cultural organizations across the state supports crucial building renovations, accessibility improvements and new spaces for creative work.

“Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come.”

A total of $42,332,000 was awarded to 144 small and medium size projects, with 57 percent of those grants provided to organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or less. Project decisions prioritized accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements.

Large capital project awards for FY2023 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Grantees include:

Torn Space Theater, Buffalo: Completion of a Campus-Wide Renovation

• This project will complete a campus setting and include reclaimed open space, transforming the site into a multi-use space with greater accessibility for artists and audiences.

Aperture Foundation, NYC: Two-story Interior and Exterior Renovation

• NYSCA funds will support the renovation of the Foundation’s Landmark Historic Building, including the creation of a retail bookstore, a public project room for artists talks and exhibitions, an entry lobby, open office spaces, private offices and meeting rooms, as well as a kitchen, bathrooms, and storage area.

Albany County Historical Association, Albany: Education and Visitor Center Construction

• This project will create an Education and Visitor Center in a central, accessible location on the 4-acre gardens of the Ten Broeck Mansion, reconstructed in the form of the historic Ten Broeck-Olcott Carriage Barn.

Hallockville Museum, Long Island: Adaptive Re-Use of Naugles Barn for Year-Round Programming

• NYSCA funds will support the adaptive re-use of the museum’s Naugles Barn, which will stabilize the structure and create a community-centric location for ongoing classes, camps, and events.

Click here for a complete list of grantees. ­­­

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Mara Manus said, “We are so pleased to be able to provide the fifth year of significant capital funding with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature. These projects affirm the pivotal role arts and culture play in our state’s economic prosperity. This critical investment in our future health and vitality will deliver real and measurable rewards to communities throughout the State. A hearty congratulations to the recipients of this crucial funding, these public projects will benefit New Yorkers and our visitors immensely for lifetimes to come.”

New York State Council on the Arts Chair Katherine Nicholls said, “On behalf of NYSCA staff, Council and our arts and culture community, I wish to thank Governor Hochul and our State Legislators for their vital commitment to New York's arts and cultural organizations across our state. Giving our arts and cultural organizations the means to further grow and enrich their communities creates a healthier and stronger future for all New Yorkers.”

State Senator Jose Serrano said, "Our arts and cultural organizations are vitally important to the fabric of our local communities. By increasing the sustainability of these cultural organizations, we will ensure their accessibility for generations. I am so pleased that we are supporting these projects for both New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe.”

Assemblymember Daniel O'Donnell said, "Capital projects for arts and culture are a win-win for residents and visitors alike. They generate jobs, tourism, education, placemaking and community building. I am thrilled that arts and cultural organizations across the state will be equipped to grow and thrive from this investment.”

Since 2018, NYSCA has awarded 302 capital grants, totaling $92 million, across all 10 state regions through the support of the Governor and Legislature. These projects increase employment capacity and advance cultural venues as tourism destinations, strengthening New York's hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors.

In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $90 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists for FY2023.

About the New York State Council on the Arts
The Council on the Arts preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. The Council 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. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award record funding in FY 2023, providing support across the full breadth of the arts, including dedicated support for arts education and underrepresented communities.

The Council on the Arts 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, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.