Download a copy of this news release
University Settlement today announced grant awards totaling $61,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in FY 2026 to arts and culture nonprofits across all 10 regions and a historic number of artists.
NYSCA awarded University Settlement:
- $25,000 in Support for Organizations funding, which will support programming for arts programs The Performance Project and The Creative Center
- $35,000 in Targeted Opportunities funding supporting subsidized rehearsal rentals for artists at Speyer Hall at 184 Eldridge Street
- $1,000 in Support for Artists funding, as part of larger awards made to 2024/2025 The Performance Project Artists in Residence Yibin Wang and Audrey Thao Berger
“Creative expression gives people space to explore feelings, build self-awareness, and cope with challenges, and for these reasons (and many more) arts programs are integral to our efforts to build community strength,” said University Settlement CEO Melissa Aase. “We are most grateful for NYSCA’s support for our innovative arts programs The Performance Project and The Creative Center, which bring free arts instruction and opportunities to experience groundbreaking performances to more than 12,000 of our neighbors every year, and for empowering our efforts to make our white box theater Speyer Hall available to artists at a subsidized rehearsal rate of $10 an hour.”
“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,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts. Congratulations to all the grantees – your talent and dedication help power New York’s future.”
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “During these challenging times, the New York State Council on the Arts has been a stalwart and innovative funder. These grants will serve artists and organizations in every region and county, fueling our economy and serving our communities. We know this support isn’t just an investment in the arts; it’s an investment in New York’s future. Congratulations to University Settlement and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity, and your tireless service to New York State.”
New York State Council on the Arts Chair Patrick Willingham said, “With the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, the Council is proud to congratulate this year’s grantees, whose collective efforts strengthen and benefit us all. I also want to recognize the work of NYSCA’s panelists, staff, and the entire Council, whose dedication has ensured that this critical support will reach every corner of New York State.”