


New York State Grant Programs
Each year, The ARTS Council receives funds from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), which are regranted locally to support public arts projects and arts-in-education programs.
Decentralization (DEC)
This matching grant program, which regrants State funds on the local level, focuses on public and school-based projects that increase accessibility to the arts for all. It supports collaborations between artists, schools and arts/cultural organizations, and assists emerging arts organizations. Since 1977, The ARTS Council has awarded close to $2 million in State funds through this program, which operates in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Tioga counties. More
Individual Artist
Individual Artist provides support for artists who seek to create new work. The program encourages the creation of unique, artist-driven, site-specific multi-disciplinary, visual, performance, dance/choreography, literary/writing, video/film, musical composition or music-related public arts projects occurring in non-arts venues in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Tioga counties. Work may be inspired by a particular aspect of the surrounding geography, under-represented or under-served communities, and local/regional history. More
Emergency Arts Relief Grants
Emergency Arts Relief Grants provide financial support to creative individuals and community groups who have experienced lost income from the postponement and/or cancellation of specific, scheduled opportunities or programs due to the outbreak of COVID-19. More
Local Grantmaking
A collaboration between The ARTS Council and the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, the QuickARTSprogram supports community-based arts and cultural activities and individual artist opportunities in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties. More

Services for Arts/Cultural Organizations and Artists
The ARTS Council provides a full range of services to artists and arts/cultural organizations of all disciplines and at all stages of their careers in Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties and beyond.
The ARTS Council provides assistance to individuals, organizations and groups on proposal writing, funding, exhibit and performance opportunities, career- and audience building, budget-making, program development and marketing. The ARTS Council offers access to online resources, publications, NYSCA and New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) resources, and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.
The Gallery @ The ARTS Council, located at The ARTS Council office at 79 West Market Street in Corning, provides regional artists of all disciplines and at all stages of their careers an opportunity to exhibit, perform and sell their work. The ARTS Council also facilitates artist participation in local and regional events.
Marketing assistance for artists and organizations is provided through The ARTS Councils online Arts Calendar, email newsletters, and social media, in addition to traditional print advertising. We also provide social media training on request.
The ARTS Council encourages relationships between artists, arts/cultural organizations, schools, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses in the region, for on-going activities and special events of all kinds. Gatherings are held regularly throughout The ARTS Councils service area on various topics, which allow local artists, organizations and the public to exchange ideas and resources.
The ARTS Councils Business of Art program provides information and resources to artists of all disciplines on how to build their careers.

Cultural Organizations
Learn how we support cultural organizations and our cultural partners! Click here.

Folk Arts
The ARTS Councils Folk Arts program serves the public, artists, arts/cultural organizations and schools throughout the Southern Tier. Partially funded by NYSCA, its primary purpose is to support folk art traditions practiced in the region, and develop and support programming that enables the public to experience these traditions as well as those of other parts of the world. Since 1986, The ARTS Council, often in collaboration with local arts/cultural organizations, has initiated a host of exhibitions, demonstrations and events. More



Emergency Preparedness Resources
A comprehensive listing of support resources for individuals and organizations who need minor or major disaster or emergency preparedness or relief assistance. Click here for more.
Advocacy
Dear Constance,
Late tonight, the full House Appropriations Committee met and approved funding for the National Endowment for the Arts at $145 million for FY 2018. While we’re still gathering details of the meeting, this completes the U.S. House committee consideration and advances the proposal to a possible action on the U.S. House floor in the coming weeks.
Although we are disappointed by this proposed $5 million (cut from $150 million in FY 2017), we are encouraged that it is not the termination proposal sought by the Administration since March. This House proposal falls short of the funding requested by a record bipartisan group of 154 members of Congress of $155 million. Similar to the request made by members in the House, 40 Senators requested NEA funding of at least $150 million for FY 2018.
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The accompanying U.S. House report notes the “broad bipartisan support” of NEA’s participation in the National Initiative for Arts & Health in the Military, led by Americans for the Arts. Be sure to check out the NEA’s Creative Forces for more information about that specific program also referenced in the report. |
What happens next?
Now, members of Congress are discussing how to continue work to pass these proposals before funding runs out at the end of September. Still to come is the U.S. Senate’s proposal expected after Labor Day. With your help, we are asking the U.S. Senate to meet the request of $155 million for both Endowments. Take 2 minutes now to contact your U.S. Senators by using our easy, customizable form. Click here.
In addition, your elected representatives will be in their home states leading up to Labor Day. August is a great time to see them in your local offices at home. Use our easy Advocacy Toolkit to request meetings and equip yourself with all the latest information that can help make the case.
ICYMI, check out Americans for the Arts President & CEO Bob Lynch’s statement following the approval by the U.S. House subcommittee.
Want to do more? Help us continue this important work by also becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member, play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today – it’s free and easy to join.
Click here for more information about advocacy!