Castellani Art Museum awarded $25,000 by New York State Council on the Arts

Castellani Art Museum announced a grant award totaling $25,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector.

Through New York’s investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded over $80 million since spring to more than 1,500 artists and organizations across the state.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “Research confirms what we’ve always known here in New York: Arts and culture are a powerhouse, with a staggering return on investment for our economy and our communities. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $151.7 billion in economic activity nationwide in 2022, and New York’s unparalleled arts and culture sector is leading the way to benefit our residents, our students and our visitors every day. I commend these grantees on their achievements and look forward to their contributions in the coming year."

NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls added, “Thanks to the unwavering support of Gov. Hochul and our Legislature, NYSCA is so proud to support the work of organizations and artists from all across New York. Spanning the entire breadth of the arts and culture sector – from world-renowned performers to after-school programs, from long-established museums to community arts collectives – these organizations and artists together are a powerful driver of health, tourism, economy and education for our residents and visitors.

“On behalf of Council and staff, congratulations to Castellani Art Museum and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity and your tireless service to New York state.”

The museum staff stated, “The funds will be allocated to support CAM’s exhibitions and programs throughout 2024. We are excited to offer a sneak preview of the upcoming exhibitions funded by NYSCA. These include the vibrant, large-scale abstract paintings of Canadian artist Jennifer Lefort; a fascinating collection of artworks and artifacts showcasing the daredevils of Niagara Falls; and a unique collaboration with Stitch Buffalo highlighting the fiber art of refugee women. These exhibitions will have their opening reception on April 11, 2024. Additionally, the grant will bolster our diverse range of programs. This includes our ‘First Saturdays’ public tours, which commence on Feb. 4 with ‘The Highwaymen: Black Artists of the Florida Coast’; our ‘Art Express Program’ for kids on Feb. 24, March 30 and April 28; our ‘FolkLife’ workshop on March 23; and many more enriching activities.”

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York’s arts, culture and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York, the Council on the Arts will award $127 million in fiscal year 2024. 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 Gov. Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the executive branch.

For more information on NYSCA, visit www.arts.ny.gov.

With learning and public access at the heart of its mission, NU’s CAM is a premiere resource for the visual arts in Niagara County. The museum’s permanent collection includes over 5,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, Niagara Falls art, and regional folk arts. CAM is committed to the preservation of these artworks, along with offering exhibitions and programs that serve the campus, local communities, and tourists. For more information on the CAM, visit www.castellaniartmuseum.org.