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ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced this morning that six Capital Region arts organizations are being awarded a combined $101,000 in federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support a series of projects that further their efforts to promote music, culture, and the arts in our Capital Region.

“The arts play a critical role in promoting the rich heritage and culture of our Capital Region, and I’m proud to be a passionate supporter of the arts in Congress,” Congressman Tonko said. “By supporting this diverse array of profound and impressive projects, these grants will further enhance our region’s status as a hub of the creative economy and a center of culture and community. I extend my congratulations to each of these wonderful organizations, and I’m excited to see the amazing programs, performances, and exhibitions we will witness in the coming year.”

The grants awarded to organizations in New York’s 20^th congressional district include:

·         $30,000 to the Albany Symphony Orchestra to support a commissioning and performance project

·         $21,000 to the New York Folklore Society in Schenectady to support the identification and documentation of tradition bearers and artists

·         $20,000 to the Corporation of Yaddo in Saratoga Springs to support an artist residency program

·         $10,000 to the Arts and Science Creating Community in Ballston Spa to support the creation and installation of a series of outdoor sculptures

·         $10,000 to the Empire State Youth Orchestra in Schenectady to support a musical collaboration between composer Angélica Negrón and students

·         $10,000 to Historic Cherry Hill in Albany to support an exhibition of visual art works commissioned to respond to the life of James Knapp, a 19^th-century Black resident of Albany.

Each year, the National Endowment for the Arts distributes nearly $100 million in grants to arts organizations in all 50 U.S. states. The grants listed above are part of the NEA’s first round of awards for Fiscal Year 2024.