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Albany County Awards More Than $729,000 to Local Arts Initiatives

Albany County Awards More Than $729,000 to Local Arts Initiatives

County-led grants support performance, physical and interpretive projects to enrich the cultural landscape

June 6, 2025

ALBANY, N.Y.— Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, the Albany County Arts and Culture Advisory Council and the Advance Albany County Alliance presented 28 local art organizations and individuals with $729,161.84 in arts-focused grant funding, during an honorary reception on Friday morning at the Albany Institute of History and Art.

The award winners announced Friday include local theater companies, art galleries, public organizations, individual artists, historic preservation groups and more (see list below). This round of funding follows more than $500,000 awarded to six local organizations and projects in December 2024, signaling Albany County’s continuing commitment to the arts.

“Last year, we launched the Arts and Culture Grant program to strengthen the cultural fabric of Albany County. This second round of funding builds on that momentum, as we are backing even more organizations, artists, and programs that are using the arts to educate, inspire, and connect. This is more than just funding; it’s a commitment to making sure the arts continue to thrive in every corner of our community," said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

“Free creative expression is the soul of Albany County. While we may be known as the seat of New York’s government, there is a thriving, vibrant, and eclectic artistic community stretching from our urban centers to our suburban communities to rural towns and villages that celebrates all of our diverse communities. We are proud to support artists who make our world a more interesting, entertaining and engaging place,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham.

The Albany County Arts and Culture Advisory Council, established by County Executive McCoy and the Albany County Legislature, is overseen by the Advance Albany County Alliance and is tasked with distributing grant awards fairly and effectively. Comprised of professionals from the arts, nonprofit and business sectors, the council reviews grant applications, evaluates project impact and makes funding recommendations to the Alliance and the County Executive.

“The arts are an integral part of Albany County’s culture and economy, and we are thrilled to honor these recipients,” said Advance Albany County Alliance Chair Alan Goldberg.

“Through the vision of County Executive McCoy, Albany County continues to uplift the diverse voices, talents and stories that make our communities dynamic and culturally rich.”

The 2025 Arts and Culture grant funding recipients are:

  • Albany Center Galleries, Inc.
  • Albany County Airport Authority
  • Albany County Historical Association
  • Albany Food & Wine Festival, Inc.
  • Arch Stanton Quartet
  • Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY, Inc.
  • Capital Region African American Film Festival
  • Capital Repertory Theatre
  • Carol Durant
  • Colonie Senior Service Centers
  • Historic Altamont, Inc.
  • In Our Own Voices, Inc.
  • Jae Gayle
  • Lark Hall Productions
  • Living Resources
  • Madison Theatre
  • Mahogany Connections, LLC
  • Majestic Tillman
  • Metroland
  • Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy
  • NYS Writers Institute
  • Opalka Gallery
  • STEAM Garden
  • Steamer No. 10 Theatre, Inc.
  • The Egg
  • The Friends of Pruyn House, Inc.
  • Underground Railroad
  • Youth FX.

Friday’s event featured performances from grant award winners Steamer No. 10 Theatre, Inc. and the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY.

Pictures from Friday’s event are available by clicking here. Courtesy Albany County Executive’s Office.