New York State Council on the Arts’ Capital Projects Fund Will Support Transformative Projects at 19 Arts and Cultural Organizations
Also Announces Groundbreaking for Storm King Art Center Redevelopment to Enhance Visitor Experience and Protect the Safety of Staff and Artwork
Part of Governor’s Historic Investment of $150 Million in Capital Projects for New York’s Arts and Cultural Institutions to Facilitate Large-Scale Placemaking and Community Development Projects
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a record $90.5 million in funding for large-scale capital projects at 19 arts and cultural organizations across New York State through the New York State Council of the Arts Capital Projects Fund. The announcement, which follows a $42 million investment in small and mid-sized capital projects announced in April, is part of the Governor’s historic $150 million investment in capital improvements for the arts. Governor Hochul announced the new funding at the groundbreaking for the campus-wide improvement project at Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor museum in the Mid-Hudson Region and a $7.5 million NYSCA Large Capital Improvement Grants recipient.
"From New York City to the North Country, we are investing in our state's robust arts and culture sector to ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of their background, have access to the transformative power of art," Governor Hochul said. "Our unprecedented support for this shared vision of accessible and sustainable cultural spaces will result in a stronger economy, more jobs, and improved community and personal health for New Yorkers and our visitors from around the globe.”
In addition to NYSCA’s support, Empire State Development awarded more than $3 million in funding to Storm King Art Center – a $2 million capital grant and a $1.2 million Market New York grant – at the recommendation of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. NYSERDA has also contributed $600,000 to the project, bringing New York State’s total support for the facility to more than $11 million.
NYSCA’s Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture support arts and cultural institutions across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants range from $2 million to $10 million for projects with a total cost of $4 million or more. This funding will support investments to expand cultural programming, reach new and diverse audiences, and promote accessibility. These grants will also help advance the State's goals around diversity, equity and inclusion and will require all grantees to commit to social equity initiatives and access plans that serve all New Yorkers. NYSCA’s Large Capital Improvement Grants program is administered in coordination with Empire State Development, which reviews applications to evaluate the potential for projects to support local placemaking, community development, and downtown revitalization efforts.
The grant to Storm King Art Center will enhance the visitor experience through the construction of two new building elements: the Welcome Sequence and the Conservation, Fabrication, and Maintenance Building. The Welcome Sequence will help to simplify visitors’ arrival by doubling parking capacity, removing traffic, and adding new facilities to accommodate guest arrivals and group tours. The Conservation, Fabrication, and Maintenance Building will be Storm King’s first-ever purpose-built space, allowing them to work with artists on fabrication, better care for their collection by conserving important artworks onsite, and provide staff with safe, well-equipped facilities. The new facility will also prioritize sustainability with all-electric buildings and LEED Gold Certification for the Welcome Sequence, reinforcing Storm King’s long history of land preservation and environmental education.
From New York City to the North Country, we are investing in our state's robust arts and culture sector to ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of their background, have access to the transformative power of art."
In addition to Storm King Arts Center, other NYSCA grantees announced today include:
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Phillipstown: LEED-Certified Outdoor Theater and Ecological Land Restoration
- This project will transform a recently acquired 98-acre site into a destination campus, open for year-round world-class performances, engaging education programs and access to land that will be permanently conserved.
Lake Placid Association of Music, Drama and Art, Lake Placid: New Arts Facility Construction
- This project will build a new modern arts complex, a destination for artistic excellence in the North County and an essential vehicle for boosting cultural tourism.
National Black Theatre Workshop, New York City: New Performing Arts Center Construction
- NYSCA funds will support the construction of a unique multipurpose arts and job-training center that will provide a world-class arts facility, cultural and educational programming, job training services, and an incubator for creative sector entrepreneurs.
A complete list of NYSCA grantees is available here.
In September 2022, Governor Hochul announced the $150 million Capital Projects Fund to support New York’s arts and cultural institutions and facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking. In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $90 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists for FY2023.
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Mara Manus said, “These exciting arts and culture capital projects will ensure the longevity and sustainability of our sector for decades to come. Additionally, these projects will provide exponential returns to every community, main street business, and worker. We are immensely grateful to the Governor and our State leaders for this historic $90 million in landmark funding and their recognition of the measurable benefits provided by our New York arts and cultural spaces. This critical investment in capital projects for arts and culture will support visionary expansions, essential facility improvements, and community-building strategies that will promote health, safety, and accessibility for all New Yorkers and our visitors.”
New York State Council on the Arts Chair Katherine Nicholls said, “Capital projects for the arts put vision into action. They create lasting impact through job creation, build stronger communities, and empower cultural organizations to better serve learners of all ages. On behalf of NYSCA staff, Council and our arts and culture community, I wish to acknowledge Governor Hochul and our State Legislators for their support of these high-impact grants, improving the economic and personal health of New Yorkers for generations to come.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Storm King Arts Center, one of New York State’s most spectacular and unique destinations, draws visitors from across the globe and is an important economic driver in the Mid-Hudson Region. ESD is proud to support Storm King’s expansion so that even more residents and visitors can experience the natural beauty and awe-inspiring exhibits for many years to come.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "I LOVE NY is proud to support capital projects at New York's world-class arts and cultural attractions like Storm King through the Market New York program. Storm King offers a truly unique visitor experience that complements any summer getaway to the Hudson Valley and is yet another reason why it's easy for visitors and residents alike to love New York."
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The Storm King project is a model for clean and resilient design with the incorporation of energy efficiency, and electrification features and NYSERDA is proud to support this work. It embodies New York State’s innovative spirit and commitment to supporting the arts and cultural institutions across the state as one of many facets of our growing green economy.”
State Senator James Skoufis said, “When New York State invests in the arts, we are also investing in tourism, jobs, and the cultural and social health of our communities. Storm King Art Center is a vital player in the Hudson Valley’s cultural fabric and I applaud the Governor’s and NYSCA’s support for the organization as it looks to the future.”
Assemblymember Chris Eachus said, “Storm King Art Center is a jewel of Orange County and the Hudson Valley. The Center inspires hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world and introduces them to beautiful landscapes that only New York State can offer. I am thankful to Governor Hochul and the Regional Economic Development Council for their extremely generous funding for my district that will allow Storm King to undergo their ambitious Capital Campaign. This investment in our community sends a strong message that New York is a cultural center for the arts, a national leader for protection of our environment, and a pristine destination for tourists.”
President of Storm King Art Center John P. Stern said “We are thrilled to break ground on Storm King’s first-ever capital project. We embarked on this project with a commitment to enhance and sustain the extraordinary experience of art and nature that Storm King offers its visitors, artists, and community. New York State’s support, though the NYSCA, ESD, and NYSERDA grants, are essential in reaching today’s exciting milestone. I'm grateful for their partnership, which will allow us to share Storm King’s extraordinary site and collection with future generations."
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, president of SUNY Orange said, “Through the Regional Council’s “live, work, play” strategy, we have focused on enhancing the quality of life for our residents and strengthening the region’s identity as a premier tourist destination. This investment in the Storm King Arts Center will attract additional visitor spending and stimulate economic growth throughout the region.”