The Earlville Opera House has been granted $50,000 for significant repairs to its historic brick masonry which has suffered damage over time due to rainwater runoff from roof drainage scuppers. (Submitted photo)

NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $42 million has been awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to 144 small and medium-sized capital projects. This record capital investment in arts and cultural organizations across the state supports crucial building renovations, accessibility improvements, and new spaces for creative work.

"Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York State," Governor Hochul said. "These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come."

A total of $42,332,000 was awarded to 144 small and medium size projects, with 57 percent of those grants provided to organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or less. Grantees span all 10 regions of New York State, with the majority of those outside New York City. Project decisions prioritized accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements.

Earlville Opera House has been granted $50,000 for significant repairs to its historic brick masonry, which has suffered damage over time due to rainwater runoff from roof drainage scuppers.

Executive Director Michelle Connelly said, “This project is integral to structural building stabilization of our historic venue in the best interest of preservation for current and future generational cultural use. We’re thrilled to be the recipient of this very meaningful funding and are pleased to be recognized as an important artistic resource adding to the cultural heritage of New York State.”

New York State Council on the Arts Chair Katherine Nicholls said, "On behalf of NYSCA staff, Council, and our arts and culture community, I wish to thank Governor Hochul and our state legislators for their vital commitment to New York's arts and cultural organizations across our state. Giving our arts and cultural organizations the means to further grow and enrich their communities creates a healthier and stronger future for all New Yorkers."

In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $90 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists for FY2023.

The Council on the Arts preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. The Council upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life.

To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award record funding in FY2023, providing support across the full breadth of the arts, including dedicated support for arts education and underrepresented communities.

The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.

Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch.

For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

Earlville Opera House Arts Center is located at 18 East Main Street in the charming Village of Earlville, NY and is handicap accessible. Masks optional. Please check our website for the latest COVID protocols and for information on our programs and services, also like us on Facebook and Instagram!

Events are made possible, in part, with public funds from New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor of New York and the New York State Legislature, and through the generosity of EOH members.

-Information provided by EOH