Help Arts Groups Raise Dollars: Matching Grant Doubles Donations
Arts groups throughout Westchester County are trying to make a comeback after extended closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many of these groups, the Art$WChallenge has come at just the right time. This annual program makes available $400K in matching grant money to benefit arts and cultural groups throughout the County. As a result, more than 130 groups are eligible to receive anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500 in matching funds based on their ability to raise private funds through December 15.
New or increased donations made to any eligible Westchester arts group during the campaign will be matched by ArtsWestchester with support from Westchester County Government. Since the inception of the Art$WChallenge, a total of $3.9 million in private money has been raised, which was matched by over $2 million in County support.
Says Benjamin Boykin, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators: “After the devastating effect of COVID-19 on the cultural sector, we were pleased to invest additional money in the program, which helps 11 new cultural organizations to participate.”
In the past, this funding has helped arts groups make their programming accessible to larger audiences. For instance, the funding has allowed Downtown Music at Grace to offer its programs free of charge, Axial Theatre to present additional productions, and Lagond Music School to provide scholarship opportunities for its students.
County Executive Latimer adds: “Funding from the 2021 Art$WChallenge matching grant program is needed now more than ever before to help cultural groups rehire, redesign programs and bring back arts audiences to live events.”
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.
About ArtsWestchester
Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.