ArtsWestchester to receive $349,578 to power local arts

White Plains, N.Y. (December 8, 2025) — The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) recently awarded ArtsWestchester $349,578 to support local artists and cultural institutions.

“As a statewide community regrant partner with NYSCA, this award ensures that ArtsWestchester can support transformative creative projects in Westchester and Rockland counties in 2026 and 2027,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. “In a challenging year for the arts, this funding to ArtsWestchester reaffirms New York State as a leader in fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector.”

Chioma Nwana, a White Plains-based photographer, is a grantee success story. Nwana created a documentary about Black White Plains.

“The grant enabled me to offer free entry to the show without worrying about recouping losses or breaking even,” Nwana said. “Accessibility was what mattered most. A lot of times, the people who inspire the art are excluded from the conversation.”

The NYSCA funding is vital for ArtsWestchester’s Arts Alive grants, which have historically enabled local creators to realize ambitious community projects.

“We know this support isn’t just an investment in the arts; it’s an investment in New York’s future. Congratulations to ArtsWestchester and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity, and your tireless service to New York State,” said NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin.

State funding also supports live performance targeting diverse audiences. Todd Isler, an artist based in Croton-on-Hudson, used previous funding to produce a concert at the Croton Free Library. The event exposed the local community to Japanese and American musical cultures.

“My takeaway from this is a reminder of how vital and important it is to share live music with people. There’s no substitute for real, live art, in whatever form it takes,” said Isler.

The new round of grants is a reaffirmation of the partnership between state government and local arts councils.

“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,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts.”

About the New York State Council on the Arts

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, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions.

Media Contact: Ernie Garcia, Thompson & Bender, 914-762-1900 or [email protected]