Six Monroe County groups receive total of $1.5M in arts grants

Rochester, New York – A combined $1.5 million in New York State grants to use for renovations, expansions, or improving their health protection measures, will receive Six Monroe County arts or cultural organizations.

On Thursday, the New York State Council on the Arts announced the recipients of $20 million in grant funding across the state. By distributing the funding, the council aims to boost economic development, job growth, and accessibility in the arts industry.

The George Eastman Museum was among the 116 organizations to receive a grant, which will use the $382,000 for its project to preserve and exhibit vintage nitrate film photos. In order to renovate its historic performing hall which is open for public use, the Hochstein School on Plymouth Avenue received $344,000.

Within a one-year period, this is the first time ever that the NYSCA has distributed more than $100 million in grants. The other Monroe County recipients are:

• The Rochester Broadway Theatre League for a new theatrical sound system
• The Memorial Art Gallery (owned by the University of Rochester), for a renovation to the sculpture park
• Writers & Books to replace to upgrade the HVAC system
• The Landmark Society of Western New York to improve the Stone-Tolan House
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According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the grants will help to promote the state’s vibrant culture by celebrating arts and historical sites.

“Congratulations to all grantees embarking on these transformative projects that will demonstrate the arts are both back and thriving,” Hochul said.