ArtsWestchester Receives Historic $5 Million State Investment

A major new investment in ArtsWestchester will expand what the organization can provide to communities throughout Westchester County. A $5 million state allocation—the largest single state investment in the organization’s history—will modernize its landmarked White Plains headquarters, enhance cultural programming and dramatically expand its capacity to serve the county.

The allocation was secured by the New York State Westchester Assembly and Senate Delegation, whose members joined ArtsWestchester’s leadership and board at the organization’s gallery on July 23 to mark the milestone.

The funding comes as downtown White Plains undergoes a major residential transformation and ArtsWestchester prepares for a significant evolution of its own.

“This $5 million investment is a defining moment for our organization and for every community we serve,” says ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. “Our historic building has been a community anchor for nearly a hundred years, most recently serving as an incubator for creativity and a safe space for artistic expression.”

Founded more than 60 years ago, ArtsWestchester is one of the largest arts councils in the United States. Through exhibitions, public art installations, education programs, community initiatives and state and county re-granting, the organization attracts visitors, supports artists and arts-related businesses and contributes to the cultural and economic life of communities throughout the region.

“The Westchester Assembly and Senate delegation has demonstrated extraordinary vision and leadership in recognizing that the arts are essential to our communities and should be accessible to all,” Reckling says. “We are profoundly grateful for their commitment and their trust.”

A Historic Investment

The entire Westchester delegation championed the funding, led by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow, Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblymember Amy Paulin and Assemblymember Chris Burdick also worked to secure the allocation.

Additional support came from Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Senator Pete Harckham, Nathalia Fernandez, Assemblymember Steve Otis, Assemblymember Nader Sayegh, Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, Assemblymember Mary Jane Shimsky and Assemblymember Matt Slater.

“ArtsWestchester has long been a cornerstone of Westchester County’s cultural and economic vitality, enriching our communities, supporting artists, and strengthening our local economy,” says Stewart-Cousins.

“As Majority Leader, I was committed to working with Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and my colleagues in the Westchester delegation to secure this historic $5 million investment, because we know the arts are essential to creating vibrant, connected, and thriving communities,” she adds. “This funding reflects our shared dedication to ensuring ArtsWestchester can continue expanding opportunities, inspiring creativity, and making the arts accessible to residents across every corner of our county for years to come.”

Assemblymember Pretlow also emphasized the wider impact of the allocation.

“The Westchester Assembly Delegation is proud to stand united in support of ArtsWestchester and the transformative role it plays in our communities,” says Pretlow. “This $5 million investment is about more than bricks and mortar, it is an investment in education, economic development, tourism, and the creative spirit that makes Westchester such a vibrant place to live.”

“Together with our colleagues in the Senate, we worked to secure this historic funding because we recognize that strong arts institutions strengthen our neighborhoods, enrich our residents, and help drive our regional economy. We are proud to partner with ArtsWestchester as it enters this exciting new chapter.”

Assemblymember Chris Burdick pointed to examples of ArtsWestchester’s impact in the communities he serves.

“I’m proud of all that ArtsWestchester has done for my district and beyond, and I’m thrilled that my colleagues and I were able to get this funding in the budget,” says Burdick. “I have seen firsthand the impact that ArtsWestchester has had in the communities I serve, from a local playwright getting her show produced, to an artist painting a mural at the elementary school he attended, to local pride events getting an additional boost, just to name a few.”

He adds: “The arts are vital for building communities, for inspiring our youth, and for elevating our understanding of each other, and this funding will help ArtsWestchester to make greater strides in all these areas.”

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Other members of the delegation connected the investment to the organization’s broader work with artists, cultural organizations and communities across the region.

“ArtsWestchester’s support for local artists and cultural organizations spurs economic activity, enriches our communities, and makes the arts more accessible,” says Senator Shelley Mayer. “The rich arts in our communities inspire young people and demonstrate the power of creativity.”

Assemblymember Amy Paulin approached the significance of the investment from a personal perspective.

“The arts have always held a special place in my life. I’ve loved dancing for as long as I can remember, and throughout the years it has been a source of joy and renewal,” says Paulin. “Whether through dance, music, theater, or the visual arts, art has the power to inspire and bring us together. ArtsWestchester makes those experiences accessible to all Westchester residents, enriching our communities.”

Senator Jamaal T. Bailey also focused on the relationship between arts access, community life and the local economy.

“The arts are vital to our economy and culture,” says Bailey. “This funding represents a comprehensive approach to expanding programming and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to every resident of Westchester County. Investment in ArtsWestchester will expand its capacity, strengthen the local economy, and ensure a more vibrant future for our communities.”

Assemblymember Steve Otis framed the allocation within the delegation’s longstanding support for ArtsWestchester and other local arts organizations.

“Our Westchester state delegation has supported state funding for ArtsWestchester and for local arts organizations for many years,” says Otis. “This important grant will allow ArtsWestchester to play an even larger role in supporting local groups, artists, and creativity at their exhibit home in White Plains and throughout the county.”

The Arts, the Economy and Community Life

Other members of the delegation emphasized the investment’s potential impact on the economy, public access and the future of ArtsWestchester’s White Plains home.

“Investments in the arts enrich our communities in so many ways, and they are also a proven economic multiplier in terms of creating jobs, developing events and boosting Main Street businesses,” says Senator Pete Harckham.

“The arts strengthen our communities, support our local economy, and enrich the lives of people of all ages,” says Assemblymember Dana Levenberg. “This funding is an investment in Westchester’s creative future and its vibrant communities that make our county such a special place.”

“ArtsWestchester has spent generations giving people a place to express themselves, learn from one another, and build community,” says Nathalia Fernandez. “This $5 million investment reflects our belief that the arts are central to the life of Westchester, supporting our local economy, opening doors for young people, and making our communities stronger.”

“ArtsWestchester has been a cornerstone of our county’s cultural identity for generations, enriching the lives of residents, supporting local artists and serving as an economic driver for communities across Westchester,” says Assemblymember Matt Slater. “This historic investment will ensure ArtsWestchester can continue expanding its reach and welcoming even more residents through a renovated, accessible facility that reflects the vibrant arts community it serves.”

“Our communities’ services and amenities require an appropriate physical site for them to take place,” says Assemblymember Mary Jane Shimsky. “This investment in ArtsWestchester’s main location in White Plains will help expand public access to cultural programming and create new opportunities for local artists and arts organizations. It is a commitment that recognizes the many wonderful artistic resources to be found in Westchester County and the ability of the arts to build community, enhance local economies, and provide lasting cultural benefits for the people who live here.”

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