Deadline Approaches for Grants for Yonkers Artists and Arts Groups
Yonkers artists and cultural organizations are invited to apply for more than $52,000 in grants to enhance the services they provide to residents.
The Yonkers Arts Initiative grants program is run by ArtsWestchester in partnership with the Westchester County Board of Legislators, among other branches of county and state government. The deadline for applications is April 3.
County Legislator Christopher Johnson said the art and programming produced by the grants allow the public to escape their routines and enjoy creative experiences.
He explains: “It’s important that everyone throughout Westchester—and specifically those people who I represent here in Yonkers—have that type of opportunity, and I will continue to provide those opportunities for everyone.” Johnson met with representatives of Yonkers’ arts groups at a reception earlier this month.
Individuals may apply for one grant for the creation of a new Yonkers-based work of art or a community-engagement project. Artists may request between $1,000-$2,500. Artists must live in Yonkers or own/rent space in Yonkers at the time of the application, and for the duration of the planned project.
Organizations may seek grants for up to two public arts/cultural activities in Yonkers, requesting $1,000-$10,000 between up to two grant applications.
Dave Steck, the executive director of YoFiFest (Yonkers film festival), hosted the reception and noted that his group could not have operated its programs and festivals for the past 10 years without these grants.
“We have received support from ArtsWestchester for years and this support has grown,” said Steck, whose next festival is November 10-19. “We are thankful for the support that we do get, and we find ways to use that to get us to the next level.”
About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
