New York: Regional Economic Development Council Grants for the Arts

New York’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) program, which began in 2011, is a “community-based, bottom up” effort to create jobs and grow the economy. Through the program, the state government provides funding in 10 regions through 26 programs run by various state agencies, including the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). Last year, $750 million in REDC funding was distributed through 12 agencies, and NYSCA awarded 43 REDC grants, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. This year, there are 13 agencies splitting the $750 million. According to a report on available funding, NYSCA expects to award about 80 grants, from $2,800 to $100,000, in four categories (pages 31-33): Arts, Culture and Heritage Projects; Artistic Program Capital Equipment Purchases; Digital Film Projector Conversion Program; and Arts Intern Workforce Development Program. The REDC goals for the NYSCA grants are myriad. They address cultural development; public access to and participation in the arts; collaborative relationships between nonprofits, for-profits, educational institutions and local governments; place making and community revitalization; economic development; cultural and heritage tourism; and community leadership. For more information, contact NYSCA Executive Assistant Liz McAleer.