Grants Program Doubles Donations to Arts Organizations Through December 16
Through the Art$WChallenge grant program, private donations will nurture cultural opportunities and experiences in all corners of Westchester County. Through December 16, every new dollar donated to 62 eligible arts groups will count twice – they will be matched by ArtsWestchester with support from the Westchester County Government (up to $5,000 each while funds are available).
Explains Westchester County Executive George Latimer: “The Art$WChallenge is a successful public/private program that pays dividends for the economy. Since the inception of the Art$WChallenge, an additional $3.6 million in private funds have been raised for arts and culture in Westchester.” In all, ArtsWestchester seeks to raise an additional $500,000 this year to support arts and cultural organizations throughout Westchester. This is money well spent, as a recent study by Americans for the Arts found that arts and culture adds $172.3 million in total economic activity to Westchester County and delivers $25.8 million in local and state government revenue.
Arts programs that are supported by these donations inspire creativity, self-confidence and conversation throughout Westchester.
ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam adds: “Westchester has a stellar galaxy of arts and cultural venues from world-class cultural destinations to ‘happening’ community events. The Art$WChallenge is an opportunity to support these vital cultural organizations and double your gift with a match from ArtsWestchester.”
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to take part in the Art$WChallenge by donating to organizations that are eligible for the matching funds. Eligibility is open to groups that were awarded funding in ArtsWestchester’s Basic Support and Project Support grant categories during the past two grant cycles. This year, eligibility has expanded to include Yonkers and Mount Vernon Arts Initiative grantees as well. In all, 15 new grantees have been added to the roster since last year. To donate, visit: artsw.org/artswchallenge.
A version of this article first appeared in the September issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
