Governor Hochul Unveils Additional $37 Million Capital Investment to Support Arts and Cultural Organizations at Ribbon-Cutting for Perelman Performing Arts Center

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced up to $37 million in capital funding is available to nonprofit arts and culture organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts' Capital Projects Fund. The Fund has two grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants and Large Capital Improvement Grants. This investment builds on the nearly $132 million in capital awards made by NYSCA earlier this year, including new multi-year funding to facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking. Governor Hochul announced the new funding at the ribbon-cutting for the Perelman Performing Arts Center, a brand-new performing arts space consisting of three world-class venues built on the World Trade Center site, in Lower Manhattan.

“New York’s arts and culture sector is a key ingredient in placemaking, tourism, and our regional economies,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this transformative funding, our arts and culture organizations are building a stronger, enriching future by creating jobs and serving New Yorkers and visitors who come to enjoy all we have to offer.”

NYSCA's Capital Projects Fund will support arts and cultural nonprofits seeking State funding for investments in capital improvements that allow organizations to sustain and expand cultural programming for diverse audiences, promote accessibility and environmental sustainability, preserve and create jobs, and ultimately contribute to the growth of New York's dynamic arts and tourism sectors.

The two opportunities are:

• Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity funds projects and nonprofit arts and culture organizations of any size, with grants of up to $2 million that prioritize accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements. $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 no-match grants are available for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million. Strong projects combine excellence in design with informed decisions about organizational capacity and community needs that will positively affect the future of arts and cultural organizations across New York.

• Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This multiyear opportunity will support arts and cultural nonprofits across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants will range from $2 million to $10 million for projects that have a total cost of $4 million or more. This funding will support investments that allow organizations to thrive by expanding cultural programming, reaching new and diverse audiences, and promoting accessibility. These grants will also help advance the State's goals around economic development, diversity, equity and inclusion and will require all applicants to commit to social equity initiatives and access plans that serve all New Yorkers.

The application portal and guidelines for these opportunities are now open, and can be accessed on NYSCA's website, arts.ny.gov. The deadline to submit completed applications is January 11, 2024. All eligible New York State nonprofit arts and culture organizations are encouraged to apply for NYSCA's Capital Projects Fund. NYSCA will also conduct webinars about the application process and host multiple virtual office sessions for applicants to receive one-on-one assistance before the January 11, 2024, deadline. Prospective applicants that are interested in Large Capital support should consult with NYSCA Capital Projects staff to make sure their projects are aligned with program priorities before applying.

Since 2018, NYSCA has awarded 302 capital grants, totaling $182.5 million, across all 10 state regions through the support of the Governor and Legislature. In FY23, nearly 50% of funding was awarded to organizations with budgets of $3 million or less. 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 will award $90 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists in FY24. These grant recipients will be announced by the end of the calendar year.

New York State Council on the Arts Chair Katherine Nicholls said, "On behalf of NYSCA's staff, Council, and our arts and culture community, we recognize Governor Hochul and our State Legislators for their continued historic support of New York arts and culture sector. Capital funding projects have broad impact through job creation, and, by solidifying the foundations, expand the reach of organizations which are anchors in our communities. These projects will have impact for generations to come.”

State Senator Jose Serrano said, "I am proud that New York State recognizes the tremendous impact that arts and culture organizations have all across our state. Every dollar invested in the arts brings back huge returns for our communities, including tourism, education, jobs and placemaking. This continued support will help organizations deliver the tangible benefits of the arts to New Yorkers for decades to come.”

Assemblymember Daniel O'Donnell said, "Capital funding projects are more than just grants. They're sparks that ignite creativity and growth in New York's arts sector, all while boosting tourism and creating jobs. So, as NYSCA's FY2024 Capital Projects fund begins, I am eager to see how they will strengthen New York's place as a premier cultural destination for visitors worldwide.”

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $127 million in FY 2024. 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.