OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
Welcome to the Arts Center of the Capital Region.
We operate with a simple principle: art belongs to everyone.
From our mission to our values to our programs, we view the Arts Center as a creative and responsive organization with deep roots in the community, exciting collaborations and an expansive vision of how the arts can flourish in our region by helping to foster a supportive, inclusive and livable community.
We were founded in 1962 as the Rensselaer County Council on the Arts in Troy, NY, and it has been since these early days that we have partnered with the New York State Council on the Arts to manage the SCR program for Rensselaer, Albany and Schenectady Counties.
Our goal is to create a robust creative community that intersects, informs, and inspires the public while fostering growth in our artists and transforming our community’s cultural understanding and expression.
We achieve this goal through four core programmatic areas:
· arts in the public realm, in which we develop public art and exhibitions with and for the public
· community projects in which we foster neighborhood engagement
· arts education, in which we offer hundreds of classes a year for all ages and abilities, including community college and public-school programs, and
· artists’ services, in which we provide grants, funding and training services for artists, who are the foundation of our work.
Welcome to the Arts Center of the Capital Region’s 2025 grant program, through which we will distribute $200,000 in grants across Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties. Our goal is to serve artists and communities equitably, foster creative expression, drive innovation, and invest in the well-being of our region.
Through four different grant opportunities, we aim to empower individual artists to create new works, enable nonprofits to enrich their communities with art, and support smaller art-based organizations in strengthening their operations. Please read the guidelines carefully, as all grant criteria are new.
Key Points:
• NYSCA Eligibility: Artists and organizations who already receive or have applied for NYSCA funding are eligible to apply.
• Direct Grants: Grants can be made directly to artists.
• Cross-County Projects: Projects may cross county lines and blend communities, provided they occur within Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties.
• Multiple Applications: Applicants can apply in more than one category for a maximum of $5,000 in funding.
• Project Period: June 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
________________________________________
Grant Categories
Grants Made Directly to Artists:
1. Artists in the Studio
o Awards for creating a new body of work.
o Grant amounts: $2,500 or $5,000.
o Total funding: $65,000.
2. Artists in the Community
o Awards for artists impacting their community.
o Grant amounts: $2,500 or $5,000.
o Total funding: $65,000.
Grants Made to Non-Profit Organizations:
1. Community Arts Projects
o Awards for organizations working with artists to impact their community.
o Grant amount: $5,000.
o Eligibility: Arts-based organizations, community-based nonprofits, K-12 schools, or libraries providing arts programming.
o Total funding: $70,000.
________________________________________
Application Guidelines
Eligible Applicants:
• Applicants must reside in Albany, Rensselaer, or Schenectady Counties.
• Individual artists or collectives can apply directly.
• Nonprofit organizations can apply directly.
Ineligible Applicants:
• For-profit businesses, organizations, or entities.
• Applicants proposing non-arts-related programs.
• Individuals or entities outside Albany, Rensselaer, or Schenectady Counties.
• Persons under the age of 18.
Application Process:
1. Read the Guidelines carefully.
2. Prepare Documents:
o Complete the online application form.
o Prepare required documents, including project proposals, work samples, and relevant background information.
3. Submit Application:
o Applications and required documents must be submitted by March 20, 2025.
________________________________________
Supported Disciplines
Artists may work in any discipline, including but not limited to:
• Fine Crafts
• Studio Art
• Public Art
• Literary Arts
• Digital Arts
• Performance Arts
Community Arts programs may include:
• Exhibitions
• Workshop Series
• Performances
• Festivals
• Screenings
• Readings
________________________________________
Seminars
The ACCR will host seminars outlining eligibility guidelines and the application process before the application period opens. These seminars will be held in February via Zoom. Visit www.artscenteronline.org/grants/ for seminar dates and updates.
________________________________________
Budget Narrative
Applicants must complete a budget narrative detailing income, expenses, and the requested amount. This section explains how regrant funds will be used and may be presented as a bullet list or in paragraph form.
Eligible Uses of Funds:
• Activities/projects of local arts organizations (live or virtual).
• Artist fees.
• Marketing/publicity costs.
• Direct administrative, planning, or preparation expenses for events.
• Supplies and materials
• Equipment, software, subscriptions, or training
Ineligible Uses of Funds:
• Requests exceeding project expenses minus total project income.
• Operating expenses for privately-owned facilities (homes/studios).
o Applies to artist and community arts grant categories.
________________________________________
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
1. Artistic Merit: Quality and innovation of the proposed project.
2. Community Impact: Potential impact and community engagement.
o Does not apply to Artists in the Studio grants.
3. Feasibility: Realistic execution within the grant period.
4. Budget Clarity: A clear and realistic budget plan.
5. Career or Mission Advancement: The extent to which the funding will help the nonprofit organization advance its mission or assist an individual artist in advancing their career.________________________________________
Reporting and Accountability
Requirements for Grant Recipients:
• Provide regular progress updates and a final report on outcomes or capacity-building achievements.
• Document community engagement and outreach efforts.
Post-Award Responsibilities:
• Submit a W-9 form.
• Sign and adhere to the project contract.
• Acknowledge funding with the line: “Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State through a special commitment from our elected officials and The Arts Center of the Capital Region.”
• Notify the ACCR in writing regarding any project changes (e.g., dates, locations, admission fees, artists hired).
• Submit a final report within 30 days of the project’s completion.
________________________________________
Funding Attribution
Arts Thrive & Grow is funded by New York State with support from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, and local elected officials, including Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin and Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
________________________________________
For inquiries, please contact: Grants@artscenteronline.org
The Arts Center of the Capital Region 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
Welcome to the Arts Center of the Capital Region’s 2025 grant program, through which we will distribute $200,000 in grants across Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties. Our goal is to serve artists and communities equitably, foster creative expression, drive innovation, and invest in the well-being of our region.
Through four different grant opportunities, we aim to empower individual artists to create new works, enable nonprofits to enrich their communities with art, and support smaller art-based organizations in strengthening their operations. Please read the guidelines carefully, as all grant criteria are new.
Key Points:
• NYSCA Eligibility: Artists and organizations who already receive or have applied for NYSCA funding are eligible to apply.
• Direct Grants: Grants can be made directly to artists.
• Cross-County Projects: Projects may cross county lines and blend communities, provided they occur within Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties.
• Multiple Applications: Applicants can apply in more than one category for a maximum of $5,000 in funding.
• Project Period: June 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
________________________________________
Grant Categories
Grants Made Directly to Artists:
1. Artists in the Studio
o Awards for creating a new body of work.
o Grant amounts: $2,500 or $5,000.
o Total funding: $65,000.
2. Artists in the Community
o Awards for artists impacting their community.
o Grant amounts: $2,500 or $5,000.
o Total funding: $65,000.
Grants Made to Non-Profit Organizations:
1. Community Arts Projects
o Awards for organizations working with artists to impact their community.
o Grant amount: $5,000.
o Eligibility: Arts-based organizations, community-based nonprofits, K-12 schools, or libraries providing arts programming.
o Total funding: $70,000.
________________________________________
Application Guidelines
Eligible Applicants:
• Applicants must reside in Albany, Rensselaer, or Schenectady Counties.
• Individual artists or collectives can apply directly.
• Nonprofit organizations can apply directly.
Ineligible Applicants:
• For-profit businesses, organizations, or entities.
• Applicants proposing non-arts-related programs.
• Individuals or entities outside Albany, Rensselaer, or Schenectady Counties.
• Persons under the age of 18.
Application Process:
1. Read the Guidelines carefully.
2. Prepare Documents:
o Complete the online application form.
o Prepare required documents, including project proposals, work samples, and relevant background information.
3. Submit Application:
o Applications and required documents must be submitted by March 20, 2025.
________________________________________
Supported Disciplines
Artists may work in any discipline, including but not limited to:
• Fine Crafts
• Studio Art
• Public Art
• Literary Arts
• Digital Arts
• Performance Arts
Community Arts programs may include:
• Exhibitions
• Workshop Series
• Performances
• Festivals
• Screenings
• Readings
________________________________________
Seminars
The ACCR will host seminars outlining eligibility guidelines and the application process before the application period opens. These seminars will be held in February via Zoom. Visit www.artscenteronline.org/grants/ for seminar dates and updates.
________________________________________
Budget Narrative
Applicants must complete a budget narrative detailing income, expenses, and the requested amount. This section explains how regrant funds will be used and may be presented as a bullet list or in paragraph form.
Eligible Uses of Funds:
• Activities/projects of local arts organizations (live or virtual).
• Artist fees.
• Marketing/publicity costs.
• Direct administrative, planning, or preparation expenses for events.
• Supplies and materials
• Equipment, software, subscriptions, or training
Ineligible Uses of Funds:
• Requests exceeding project expenses minus total project income.
• Operating expenses for privately-owned facilities (homes/studios).
o Applies to artist and community arts grant categories.
________________________________________
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
1. Artistic Merit: Quality and innovation of the proposed project.
2. Community Impact: Potential impact and community engagement.
o Does not apply to Artists in the Studio grants.
3. Feasibility: Realistic execution within the grant period.
4. Budget Clarity: A clear and realistic budget plan.
5. Career or Mission Advancement: The extent to which the funding will help the nonprofit organization advance its mission or assist an individual artist in advancing their career.________________________________________
Reporting and Accountability
Requirements for Grant Recipients:
• Provide regular progress updates and a final report on outcomes or capacity-building achievements.
• Document community engagement and outreach efforts.
Post-Award Responsibilities:
• Submit a W-9 form.
• Sign and adhere to the project contract.
• Acknowledge funding with the line: “Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State through a special commitment from our elected officials and The Arts Center of the Capital Region.”
• Notify the ACCR in writing regarding any project changes (e.g., dates, locations, admission fees, artists hired).
• Submit a final report within 30 days of the project’s completion.
________________________________________
Funding Attribution
Arts Thrive & Grow is funded by New York State with support from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, and local elected officials, including Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin and Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
________________________________________
For inquiries, please contact: Grants@artscenteronline.org
The Arts Center of the Capital Region 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
Welcome to the Arts Center of the Capital Region’s 2025 grant program, through which we will distribute $200,000 in grants across Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties. Our goal is to serve artists and communities equitably, foster creative expression, drive innovation, and invest in the well-being of our region.
Through four different grant opportunities, we aim to empower individual artists to create new works, enable nonprofits to enrich their communities with art, and support smaller art-based organizations in strengthening their operations. Please read the guidelines carefully, as all grant criteria are new.
Key Points:
• NYSCA Eligibility: Artists and organizations who already receive or have applied for NYSCA funding are eligible to apply.
• Direct Grants: Grants can be made directly to artists.
• Cross-County Projects: Projects may cross county lines and blend communities, provided they occur within Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties.
• Multiple Applications: Applicants can apply in more than one category for a maximum of $5,000 in funding.
• Project Period: June 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
________________________________________
Grant Categories
Grants Made Directly to Artists:
1. Artists in the Studio
o Awards for creating a new body of work.
o Grant amounts: $2,500 or $5,000.
o Total funding: $65,000.
2. Artists in the Community
o Awards for artists impacting their community.
o Grant amounts: $2,500 or $5,000.
o Total funding: $65,000.
Grants Made to Non-Profit Organizations:
1. Community Arts Projects
o Awards for organizations working with artists to impact their community.
o Grant amount: $5,000.
o Eligibility: Arts-based organizations, community-based nonprofits, K-12 schools, or libraries providing arts programming.
o Total funding: $70,000.
________________________________________
Application Guidelines
Eligible Applicants:
• Applicants must reside in Albany, Rensselaer, or Schenectady Counties.
• Individual artists or collectives can apply directly.
• Nonprofit organizations can apply directly.
Ineligible Applicants:
• For-profit businesses, organizations, or entities.
• Applicants proposing non-arts-related programs.
• Individuals or entities outside Albany, Rensselaer, or Schenectady Counties.
• Persons under the age of 18.
Application Process:
1. Read the Guidelines carefully.
2. Prepare Documents:
o Complete the online application form.
o Prepare required documents, including project proposals, work samples, and relevant background information.
3. Submit Application:
o Applications and required documents must be submitted by March 20, 2025.
________________________________________
Supported Disciplines
Artists may work in any discipline, including but not limited to:
• Fine Crafts
• Studio Art
• Public Art
• Literary Arts
• Digital Arts
• Performance Arts
Community Arts programs may include:
• Exhibitions
• Workshop Series
• Performances
• Festivals
• Screenings
• Readings
________________________________________
Seminars
The ACCR will host seminars outlining eligibility guidelines and the application process before the application period opens. These seminars will be held in February via Zoom. Visit www.artscenteronline.org/grants/ for seminar dates and updates.
________________________________________
Budget Narrative
Applicants must complete a budget narrative detailing income, expenses, and the requested amount. This section explains how regrant funds will be used and may be presented as a bullet list or in paragraph form.
Eligible Uses of Funds:
• Activities/projects of local arts organizations (live or virtual).
• Artist fees.
• Marketing/publicity costs.
• Direct administrative, planning, or preparation expenses for events.
• Supplies and materials
• Equipment, software, subscriptions, or training
Ineligible Uses of Funds:
• Requests exceeding project expenses minus total project income.
• Operating expenses for privately-owned facilities (homes/studios).
o Applies to artist and community arts grant categories.
________________________________________
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
1. Artistic Merit: Quality and innovation of the proposed project.
2. Community Impact: Potential impact and community engagement.
o Does not apply to Artists in the Studio grants.
3. Feasibility: Realistic execution within the grant period.
4. Budget Clarity: A clear and realistic budget plan.
5. Career or Mission Advancement: The extent to which the funding will help the nonprofit organization advance its mission or assist an individual artist in advancing their career.________________________________________
Reporting and Accountability
Requirements for Grant Recipients:
• Provide regular progress updates and a final report on outcomes or capacity-building achievements.
• Document community engagement and outreach efforts.
Post-Award Responsibilities:
• Submit a W-9 form.
• Sign and adhere to the project contract.
• Acknowledge funding with the line: “Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State through a special commitment from our elected officials and The Arts Center of the Capital Region.”
• Notify the ACCR in writing regarding any project changes (e.g., dates, locations, admission fees, artists hired).
• Submit a final report within 30 days of the project’s completion.
________________________________________
Funding Attribution
Arts Thrive & Grow is funded by New York State with support from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, and local elected officials, including Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin and Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
________________________________________
For inquiries, please contact: Grants@artscenteronline.org
The Arts Center of the Capital Region 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180