New York State is investing more than $86 million to support 134 capital projects that will strengthen the arts infrastructure in every region of the state. From small theaters and museums to large cultural centers, the projects aim to improve accessibility, expand creative spaces, and boost local economies.
The funding, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul on May 14, was awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). About 75% of the grants went to organizations located outside of New York City and to nonprofits with operating budgets under $3 million.
Arts projects span all regions of the state
In the Finger Lakes, the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will receive funds to build The GO Barn! Arts & Cultural Center—a new facility designed for workshops, artisan programming, and fiber arts. The center will also include a greenhouse for natural dye production.
Other funded projects include:
- Upper Jay Art Center (North Country): Lighting upgrades to improve safety and energy efficiency
- New York State Old Tyme Fiddler’s Association (Central NY): Roof replacement and new well system
- Stitch Buffalo (Western NY): Enhanced security and soundproofing for a fiber arts hub
- Gateway Playhouse (Long Island): Expanded lobby, new elevator, and parking improvements
- Veterans Repertory Theater (Mid-Hudson): A new venue focused on military veterans’ voices
- Goodwill Theatre (Southern Tier): Multi-floor renovation of a historic firehouse for expanded programming
Funding supports small, midsize and large-scale projects
NYSCA’s capital grants fall into three categories:
- Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants: $10,000–$2 million
- Large Capital Improvement Grants: $2 million–$10 million
- Capital Design Grants: $50,000–$500,000 for project planning
The state has also increased access to funding by raising the no-match cap for midsize grants to $99,000.
Arts sector seen as economic engine
Governor Hochul framed the investment as a boost for both culture and the economy: “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”
NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin added that the projects will “increase tourism, expand accessibility, create jobs and strengthen New York’s position as the global epicenter of arts and culture.”
Since launching the Capital Projects Fund in 2018, NYSCA has awarded $300 million in support of 607 projects. For FY 2026, the agency will distribute more than $161 million through both capital and non-capital grants.
A full list of recipients is available at arts.ny.gov.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].