Governor Hochul Announces $14 Million to Support Three Brooklyn Projects

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $14 million in State funding to support expansion and infrastructure improvement projects at cultural institutions throughout Brooklyn. The investments will expand educational opportunities, strengthen cultural programming and improve facilities that serve communities across the borough.

"Brooklyn is home to vibrant cultural communities and institutions that create opportunities for New Yorkers to learn, grow and thrive," Governor Hochul said. "This funding announcement will support projects that will directly expand access to our educational resources, strengthen cultural institutions and ensure that communities across the borough continue to benefit from these investments for generations to come."

The investments include $5 million to support the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, $7 million to support the Earth Science Garden at the Brooklyn Children's Museum and $2 million to support Brooklyn Academy of Music. The funding will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Governor Hochul continues to invest in the institutions that make New York's communities stronger. These projects will help expand educational programming, create new opportunities for workforce development and preserve important cultural spaces in Brooklyn. DASNY is proud to administer this funding and work with the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Brooklyn Children's Museum and Brooklyn Academy of Music as they move these improvements forward."

Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network

HITN is a non-profit Spanish-language television network that focuses on producing educational content and reaches more than 35 million households nationwide. The organization is planning to expand its production studio capacity at Brooklyn Navy Yard by developing a 17,000 square foot rooftop production facility and event space. The $5 million state grant will help to enhance production capacity while creating new job and workforce development opportunities.

Brooklyn Children's Museum Earth Science Garden and Infrastructure Enhancement

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is reimagining its courtyard as a first-of-its-kind Earth Science Garden, bringing the first earth science learning garden and science center to Brooklyn to create a new year-round hands-on learning environment. The $7 million State grant investment will advance the Earth Science Garden project and facilitate other critical upgrades of the museum's infrastructure.

Brooklyn Academy of Music

The $2 million State grant will support critical repairs and renovations to the building envelope of the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Peter Jay Sharp Building. This investment will address aging exterior conditions, mitigate water intrusion and weather-related damage, and ensure the long-term safety, functionality, and preservation of this essential venue. These improvements are vital to sustaining BAM's operations and protecting the artists, staff and audiences who rely on the building year-round.

Brooklyn Children's Museum President & CEO Atiba T. Edwards said, "Since 1899, Brooklyn Children's Museum has believed that every child deserves a place to wonder and learn. With Governor Hochul's support, we're building Brooklyn's first earth science learning garden. Children and families will learn about how the ice ages shaped the Brooklyn they enjoy each day. Every child deserves a place to discover how the world works, regardless of their zip code or family income. This is an investment in curiosity, in Central Brooklyn, and in the scientists and stewards our children will become in the future."

Brooklyn Academy of Music President Tamara McCaw said, "Every day, artists, staff, and community members rely on the Peter Jay Sharp Building for world-class performances, films, lectures, exhibitions, social events, civic gatherings, or sometimes, just a place to rest during a bustling day. Since 1908, this building has welcomed generations of Brooklynites, and this funding will help us keep it strong for all of them. With the State's support, we can make critical renovations that fortify the historic heart of our campus. We thank Governor Hochul and DASNY for investing in the places where Brooklyn comes together to learn, create, gather and connect."

Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN) President and CEO Mike Nieves said, "We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for providing HITN Media with the vital resources needed to move this transformative project forward and deepen our connection to our existing audience. By significantly expanding our studio's production capabilities, we will strengthen our purpose: 'Educa y Entretiene' (Educate and Entertain)."

State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda said, "This $14 million investment represents a meaningful commitment to strengthening Brooklyn's cultural institutions, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting long-term economic growth. I am particularly proud that $5 million will be allocated to the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, an organization that has spent decades advancing educational programming in Spanish and expanding access to information and resources for Hispanic communities. Investments of this magnitude are about more than funding infrastructure; they are about investing in people, preserving our cultural heritage, and creating pathways and opportunities for generations to come. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the importance of these investments and for supporting initiatives that strengthen our institutions, empower our communities, and improve the quality of life for New York families."

State Senator Zellnor Myrie said, "I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in Brooklyn's art and culture scene - including at the Brooklyn Children's Museum right here in my district. This grant will create new learning opportunities for young people about earth science and resiliency, as well as provide critical infrastructure upgrades for the oldest children's museum in the world. I look forward to building on these investments in the months and years ahead under Governor Hochul's leadership."

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, "Our world would be a far less vibrant place without arts and culture, and in Brooklyn, we are fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary institutions. We have a responsibility to advance the arts, and I am thrilled that these three pillars of culture are receiving funding to expand and improve their infrastructure, benefiting all they serve. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for ensuring these spaces can continue to spark curiosity and inspire generations of Brooklynites."

Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, "As BAM's assemblymember and a proud champion of their work, I'm happy to celebrate this well-deserved investment in the Peter Jay Sharp building. BAM is a pillar of Brooklyn's cultural landscape and the Peter Jay Sharp building is its heart. This investment will keep the Sharp building safe, functional, and beautiful for the artists, staff, and audiences who rely on it year-round."

Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham said, "When we invest in our cultural institutions, we invest in our kids, our workers and our future. The Brooklyn Children's Museum has been a cornerstone of Central Brooklyn for generations, inspiring curiosity in our children and bringing families together. This $7 million investment will help build a new outdoor classroom for our kids and a stronger, more resilient museum. I'm also pleased to see support for BAM and HITN, two institutions that strengthen Brooklyn's cultural life and create opportunities for our neighbors. I'm proud to stand with Governor Hochul as she delivers for Brooklyn."