SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $710,000 IN NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS FUNDING THROUGHOUT UPSTATE NEW YORK

Funds to Support Public Arts Programs in Capital Region, Western New York, Rochester-Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley & North Country

2015 Marked 50th Anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $712,500 in federal funds through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The funding will allow organizations to support residencies for artists, exhibitions, professional development and public engagement and outreach.

“An investment in the arts is an investment in Upstate New York’s future, as both a tourist destination and a vibrant place to live. This federal funding will help regions across the state encourage the growth of artists and programs that will help New York benefit from the creativity they bring,” said Senator Schumer. “This is great news for Upstate New York, and I will continue to fight hard for programs that support our artists, foster creativity and give our communities more opportunities to experience the arts in a diverse number of ways.”

“This federal investment will help strengthen cornerstone programs aimed at bringing arts education and learning opportunities to thousands residing in and visiting New York to experience,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will continue to work to help grow our cultural institutions, galleries, orchestras, concert spaces, and artist’s workshops for our families and children to enjoy.” 

The following institutions and organizations received funding through the National Endowment for the Arts:

Capital Region

·         Wave Farm Inc.in Greene County will receive $10,000

·         Thomas Cole Historic House in Greene County will receive $40,000

·         Albany Symphony Orchestra in Albany County will receive $15,000

·         Research Foundation of State University of New York in Albany County will receive   $25,000

·         Bard College in Columbia County will receive $100,000     

·         Millay Colony for the Arts, Inc. in Columbia County will receive $10,000

·         Corporation of Yaddo in Saratoga County will receive $25,000

·         Media Alliance, Inc. in Rensselaer County will receive $20,000

Western New York

·         Arts Services Initiative of Western New York, Inc. in Erie County will receive $10,000

·         Buffalo Fine Arts Academy/Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Erie County will receive    $20,000

·         Buffalo Media Resources, Inc./Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Arts Center in Erie County will receive $25,000

·         Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. in Erie County will receive $12,500

·         Burchfield-Penney Art Center in Erie County $20,000

·         White Pine Inc. in Erie County will receive $15,000

Rochester-Finger Lakes

·         BOA Editions, Ltd. In Monroe County will receive $25,000

·         George Eastman House in Monroe County will receive $30,000

·         Rochester Fringe Festival Inc. in Monroe County will receive $20,000

·         University of Rochester in Monroe County will receive $30,000

Central New York

·         Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation in Onondaga County will receive $10,000

·         CNY Arts, Inc. in Onondaga County will receive $35,000

·         Light Work Visual Studios in Onondaga County will receive $10,000

Mohawk Valley

·         Sculpture Space, Inc. in Oneida County will receive $15,000

Hudson Valley

·         Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester County will receive $10,000

·         Nightboat Books in Sullivan County will receive $10,000

·         Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Inc. in Westchester County will receive $15,000

·         Copland House in Westchester County will receive $10,000

·         Spark Media Project Inc. in Dutchess County will receive $15,000

·         Women's Studio Workshop in Ulster County will receive $20,000

·         Mount Tremper Arts, Inc. in Ulster County will receive $20,000

·         Rhinebeck Writers Retreat Inc. in Dutchess County will receive $10,000

·         Center for Photograph at Woodstock, Inc. in Ulster County will receive $30,000

·         Maverick Concerts, Inc. in Ulster County will receive $20,000

·         Woodstock Guild of Craftsmen, Inc. in Ulster County will receive $10,000

North Country

·         Traditional Arts in Upstate New York in St. Lawrence County will receive $20,000

“It is extremely gratifying to receive an NEA Challenge America grant for programming in Syracuse’s urban neighborhoods, among the poorest in the country,” said Larry Luttinger, Executive Director of CNY Jazz Arts Foundation. “Jazz in the City provides a mobile platform that brings much cultural and economic benefit to neighborhood residents, group homes, small business, minority vendors, talented youth at risk, and social service organizations. Many thanks to Senator Gillibrand for her strong support.”

“Sculpture Space is deeply honored by the generous and ongoing support of the National Endowment for the Arts.  As the world flashes, fires, crumbles, rages and darkens around us, we remain committed to the idea that art and artists provide an essential and unique flame,” said Monika Burczyk, Executive Director of Sculpture Space.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive news of the award, and are very grateful to the NEA for their continued support of our programs,” said Light Work’s Director Shane Lavalette. “We look forward to another excellent year of supporting some of today’s most exciting image-makers.” 

Established in 1965, the NEA through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, supports arts learning, celebrates cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America.

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