Governor Hochul Announces $80 Million in Capital Funding Available to Support Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $80 million in capital funding is now available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts Capital Projects Fund. The Fund has three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, Large Capital Improvement Grants, and Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture. The $80 million funding opportunity builds on the $82 million in capital awards made by NYSCA earlier this year, including multi-year funding to facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking.

"New York's arts and cultural organizations are a key driver of our thriving communities - fueling local economies and drawing visitors from around the world," Governor Hochul said. "By investing in new construction, accessibility improvements and environmental sustainability initiatives, these organizations can grow, expand and continue to inspire the communities they serve."

NYSCA's Capital Projects Fund will support arts and cultural nonprofits seeking State funding for investments in capital improvements that allow organizations to sustain and expand cultural programming for diverse audiences, promote accessibility and environmental sustainability, preserve and create jobs, and ultimately contribute to the growth of New York's dynamic arts and tourism sectors. Grants range from $10,000 to $10 million to support organizations and projects of all sizes.

The three FY27 Capital Projects Fund opportunities are:

Small and Midsize Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity funds projects initiated by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations of any size, with construction and capital equipment grants of up to $2 million that prioritize accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements. Grants of $50,000 to $2 million support up to 50 percent of the project's total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 are also available for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million. Strong projects combine excellence in design with informed decisions about organizational capacity and community needs that will positively affect the future of arts and cultural organizations across New York.

Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support arts and cultural nonprofits across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants will range from $2 million to $10 million for projects that have a total cost of $4 million or more (grants support a maximum of 50 percent of the project's total cost). This funding will support investments that allow organizations to thrive by expanding cultural programming, reaching new and diverse audiences, and promoting accessibility. These grants will also help advance the State's goals around economic development and will require all applicants to commit to social equity initiatives and access plans that serve all New Yorkers.

Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents for arts and cultural nonprofits with operating budgets of $10 million or less across the state that are planning eligible capital improvements and are currently in the early stages of design. Grants will range from $50,000 to $500,000, for a maximum of 50 percent of the design phase's total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 will also be available for organizations with budgets under $2 million.

The application portal and guidelines for these opportunities are now open, and can be accessed on NYSCA's website, arts.ny.gov. The deadline to submit completed applications is January 12, 2027, at 5pm. All eligible New York State nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are encouraged to apply for NYSCA's Capital Projects Fund. NYSCA will also conduct webinars about the application process and host multiple virtual office sessions for applicants to receive one-on-one assistance before the January 12, 2027, deadline. Grant awards are expected to be announced in late spring 2027.

Since the NYSCA Capital Projects Fund began in 2018, the agency has awarded 739 capital grants, totaling over $382 million, across all 10 state regions through the support of the Governor and Legislature. These projects increase employment capacity and advance cultural venues as tourism destinations, strengthening New York's hospitality, food and beverage and retail sectors. In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists for FY26.

Governor Hochul continues to make record investments to grow New York's pre-eminent arts and culture sector. The FY27 budget also includes over $81 million for NYSCA general operating support to non-profit organizations and individual artists. These grants will be awarded at the end of the calendar year.

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, "Arts and cultural organizations are powerful economic engines - creating jobs, driving tourism and energizing their surrounding communities. This $80 million investment in capital improvements will help ensure these organizations have the resources to keep driving growth all across New York State for decades to come."

New York State Council on the Arts Chair Patrick Willingham said, "Investing in our arts and cultural organizations means investing in their future and that includes more sustainability. This funding will help organizations modernize their facilities, reduce their environmental footprint and allow them to serve our communities for generations."

State Senator Jose M. Serrano said, "Thriving arts and cultural organizations bring economic strength and spark regional growth all across our state. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding to support the arts and cultural sector, and I am happy to see New York's continued investments in our creative sector. Many thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, NYSCA, Assemblyman Ron Kim and my colleagues in government that encourage our organizations to dream big, plan for their futures and apply for these opportunities."

Assemblymember Ron Kim said, "Our arts and culture organizations are spaces where New Yorkers gather, connect and learn. When they grow and thrive, everyone benefits - from increased foot traffic to new visitors and engaged community residents. The NYSCA Capital Projects Fund opportunities provide critical support for these institutions to grow, thrive and plan for the future."

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. The New York State Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY27, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.