Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) touted a combined $188,500 in grant funding awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts to seven organizations throughout his district. The funding, announced last week as part of NYSCA’s third round of awards this year, is aimed at propelling the recovery of the nonprofit arts and culture sector statewide.

In Newburgh, the Boys & Girls Club will receive $49,500, sculptor Stuart Sachs will receive $10,000 via the Community Foundation of Orange County for a chess table installation at Downing Park, and conceptual artist Vernon Byron will receive $10,000 via the Orange County Arts Council for a project titled Skin Deep. The Orange County Arts Council will also receive an additional $59,500 for recovery efforts and organizational support. In Rockland County, Garnerville Arts Project will receive $10,000 and Penguin Players will receive $49,500.

“The arts and culture industry has taken a major hit over the past two years, and we’ve got to do all we can to get creators back on their feet while jumpstarting the industry as a whole,” said Skoufis. “With this state funding, these organizations and artists can get back to doing what they love – inspiring their communities.”

“These awardees represent the best of what New York’s vibrant communities have to offer,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “With this funding in hand, they will be able to not only continue their creative and inspiring work, but help spur revitalization in their own backyard as well.”

NYSCA’s fourth and final round of funding, a $20 million Capital Projects opportunity, is currently accepting applications through January 14, 2022. To learn more, visit arts.ny.gov.