Gov. Kathy Hochul said the 2,400-plus grants represent a significant investment in supporting the state’s arts sector through NYSCA.
Including previously awarded multi-year grants, total NYSCA funding for Fiscal Year 2026 reaches $80.9 million.
“New York’s arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of the state’s identity, and we’re making bold investments to ensure it remains strong,” Gov. Hochul said. “These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts. Congratulations to all the grantees – your talent and dedication help power New York’s future.”
She said that over half of the support for organization grants went to arts and culture nonprofits with budgets under $500,000, and 71% were awarded to institutions with budgets under $1 million across the state.
Recipients of four different FY 2026 grant categories were announced: Support for Organizations, Support for Artists, Targeted Opportunities, and Regrants and Services.
Hochul said NYSCA is currently accepting applications for its $80 million Arts Capital Projects Fund, which closes on Jan. 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.
She said NYSCA’s Capital Projects Fund invests in capital facilities and expansion projects for cultural nonprofit organizations that promote accessibility, diverse programming, environmental sustainability, and more.
“This funding helps preserve and create jobs that contribute to the growth of New York’s arts and tourism sectors,” the governor said.
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “During these challenging times, the New York State Council on the Arts has been a stalwart and innovative funder.
“These grants will serve artists and organizations in every region and county, fueling our economy and serving our communities,” she added. “We know this support isn’t just an investment in the arts; it’s an investment in New York’s future. Congratulations to all our FY2026 grantees, and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity, and your tireless service to New York State.”
New York State Council on the Arts Chair Patrick Willingham said, “With the unwavering support of Gov. Hochul and our Legislature, the Council is proud to congratulate this year’s grantees, whose collective efforts strengthen and benefit us all.
“I also want to recognize the work of NYSCA’s panelists, staff, and the entire Council, whose dedication has ensured that this critical support will reach every corner of New York State,” he added.
Hochul said 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, she said the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions.
The governor said 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, as well as informational resources.
Created by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Gov. Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency within the Executive Branch.
