The following organizations and individuals received CNY Arts awards in 2026.
Organizations
- Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Onondaga County
Jubilee Homes of Syracuse – Showcase Sunday Series 2026 I $1,000
Showcase Sunday is a community event celebrating talent, culture, and neighborhood unity. This gathering brings together the community in an inclusive atmosphere for all ages. Event features a dynamic lineup of performers, with a diverse mix of genres, and interactive activities. Showcase Sunday is a celebration of local arts, culture, and entrepreneurship. In addition to the performances, small businesses and neighborhood vendors showcase their products, and connect with the community. - CNY Pride, Onondaga County
CNY Pride Festival 2026 I $1,500
The CNY Pride Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly annual celebration in Syracuse’s Inner Harbor for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, featuring a colorful parade, live entertainment, dozens of food and craft vendors, community organizations, and a dedicated family fun zone with games and activities, all focused on visibility, unity, and joy for Central New York’s diverse queer population. - Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Madison County
Old Erie Canal Float n’ Folk Artisan Festival I $2,500
The Festival will celebrate the history along the Canal by featuring artisans who specialize in traditional trades. Artisans will set up to showcase their craft through live demonstrations. These interactive sessions will not only display the skill and artistry but also educate about the artisan businesses that flourished along the Canal in its heyday. This unique event provides hands-on opportunity to connect with the past and experience the vibrant artisanal culture that defined the region. - Syracuse Jazzfest Productions, Onondaga County
2026 Syracuse International Jazz Fest I $2,500
2 international jazz groups will perform on the JMA Wireless main stage at the Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus nightly on July 10 and July 11, 2026. Two 1-hour sets taking place nightly between 4 to 11pm on July 10 and 11 will enable CNY region and Syracuse-area tourists, residents & visitors the opportunity to see performances by the world’s top jazz artists, free of charge, in an intimate outdoor setting. - Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, Onondaga County
Jewish Community Center of Syracuse – Klezfest 2026 I $750
Annual Celebration of Jewish Culture in CNY. Emphasis on Klezmer music, ethnic food and Jewish spirit. Open to everyone in CNY with entertainment for all ages. - La Joven Guardia del Teatro y la Danza Latina, Onondaga County
Workshops to create Caribbean-Latin musical instruments I $2,000
In celebrating the 27th anniversary of our child/youth Dance/Theater troupe, we will celebrate our culture’s idiosyncrasies inspired by traditional Caribbean-Latin musical instruments. This expresses the sweetness commonly expressed toward African-Latino Caribbean instruments found among a variety of music styles. I plan to create with the theater kids and youth authentic and rustic traditional instruments that will be incorporated in performances around the community, culminating in La Joven Guardia del Teatro’s 27th Anniversary Gala in July. - Western Town Library, Oneida County
Western Town Library – Concert Series 2026 I $975
Western Town Library is offering a free exciting musical concert series for community enjoyment including Terry Mojo Johnson with his innovative one-of-a-kind guitars, Liz Ingersoll on bluegrass violin, and the Pepper and Sassafras acoustic songwriting duo. - Friends of the Old Forge Library, Herkimer County
Liberty…250th Anniversary Community Poetry & Art Extravaganza I $3,000
The annual Old Forge Library’s Poetry & Art Extravaganza is open to residents of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties and the Town of Inlet. We host a day of creative workshops, “Free to Create Day.” We create a local opportunity to make, exhibit, perform, view and celebrate work representative of this year’s theme, “Liberty.” All submitted works are exhibited for two months. Written works are performed at the award reception. - Liverpool Public Library, Onondaga County
Liverpool Public Library – 2026 Concert Series I $1,000
Liverpool Public Library, collaborating with Liverpool Is The Place Concert Committee, will offer four live performances with regional artists in February, March, September, and October. - Didymus Thomas Library, Oneida County
Watercolor Art & Basket Weaving Workshops for Developing Artists I $1,425
During the summer months of 2026, the Didymus Thomas Library will host two comprehensive workshops designed for artists to enhance their watercolor techniques and explore the craft of basket weaving. Renowned artists will lead each session, catering to both novice and intermediate participants. The workshops are open to everyone. All necessary materials will be supplied. A student exhibition at the library will take place following the completion of the workshops. - Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Onondaga County
Asian Elephant Extravaganza & Penguin Palooza I $2,750
Asian Elephant Extravaganza celebrates our Asian elephant herd and cultural traditions of their native countries in South Asia through traditional Indian music and dance performances, an Indonesian orchestra, demonstrations with our elephant herd, and birthday celebrations for our eldest elephants. Penguin Palooza is an ice cream party at Penguin Coast featuring Chilean music, complimentary ice cream treats, penguin-themed games/activities, penguin keeper chats, and demos with our colony of Humboldt penguins from the coast of Chile. - Syracuse Shakespeare-in-the-Park, Onondaga County
SSITP’s production of The Taming of the Shrew I $950
SSITP wil present six performances of The Taming of the Shrew in the Thornden Park Amphitheater during August 2026. Performances will be in authentic Elizabethan costuming and presented in a style intended to recreate the theater-going experience of a 16th century audience. All performances free to the public. No admission will be charged. - Operation Northern Comfort, Onondaga County
Music and Dance at the 2026 Syracuse Crawfish Festival I $2,250
ONC will host the 19th annual Syracuse Crawfish Festival in Clinton Square on May 2, 2026. The festival will feature local bands on the main stage including The Barndogs, Brass Inc, The Ripcords, Confabulateurs and The Unity Street Band. The festival also includes an acoustic performance tent and dance performances by different cultural dance troupes. In 2026 we’re planning the Jankaar Rhythms Indian Dance ensemble and the PGR dance team to entertain our large crowd. - Syracuse Chamber Orchestra, Onondaga County
“Women Composers Across the Centuries” I $2,800
This Syracuse Chamber Orchestra’s 2026 community project summary is to perform two special concerts: “Women Composer’s Across the Centuries” and “Symphonic Samplings” from composers around the world which are new themes for this orchestra. These concerts will offer musical and cultural education concerts to the community by both known and not-so-well known composers to include women composers and composers of color through the centuries. - Cincinnatus Area Heritage Society, Cortland County
From Creamery to Dairy Treat I $2,000
Students from selected grade levels are exposed to Cincinnatus’s milk industry–from creamery, milk cooperative, milk plant (Borden’s) to dairy treat. Students are then supported by artists (musicians, an artist/painter and a dance instructor) to express what they have learned. The shared learning culminates in a community program, followed by an exhibit of student work at the town’s library. In December, using kindergartners’ student art work, CAHS designs and prints small books about ice cream. - The Theater at Woodshill, Oneida County
“The Tempest” for 10th Anniversary Celebration I $2,725
For our 10th summer season, we will produce Shakespeare’s The Tempest, directed by Hamilton College theater professor Emily K. Harrison. Often regarded as Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage, this majestic play fuses magic, wonder, hilarity, and bracing emotional depths, drawing on the earthiness that defines Woodshill productions while embracing the otherworldly enchantment unique to the text. As always, our production will combine a host of professional artists from outside the region with local, CNY talent. - Oswego Industries, Oswego County
Creative Connections I $2,000
Creative Connections is an inclusive arts education initiative providing adaptive, professionally led workshops for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oswego County. Teaching artists deliver sequential, skill‑based instruction across multiple disciplines. The project includes public showcases that celebrate participant work, including a participant‑designed T‑shirt for sale, promoting visibility, inclusion, and equitable access to arts learning experiences. - ARTSwego at SUNY Oswego, Oswego County
ARTSwego – Makin’ Cake I $2,874.70
ARTSwego presents Makin’ Cake by Dasha Kelly Hamilton. In her show, Hamilton slices into American history exploring race, culture, and class, with a cake reception immediately following the performance. - Technology Alliance of Central New York, Onondaga County
TACNY – Maker Faire Syracuse I $1,500
Maker Faire Syracuse is an event that features local makers, This event is a family-friendly celebration featuring all kinds of making and creating from traditional arts & crafts to high tech creations. Our Faire is the largest STEAM event in Central New York. This will be our fifth annual event. - Leatherstocking Ballet, Oneida County
La Boutique Fantasque – School Performance Experience I $1,285
Leatherstocking Ballet will perform the ballet, La Boutique Fantasque, at no cost in the schools in the fall of 2026. We are targeting inner city and refugee rich public schools for these performances, as well as an afterschool program for children of families with limited income that may not have access to live shows, especially ones that showcase their peers. - Copper City Community Connection, Oneida County
4 Cs Connecting Through Soup & Song I $750
Copper City Community Connection will gather the elderly in our community for an afternoon of music and sing-a-long while enjoying a bowl of soup. This event will occur 2 times per month with the purpose of building friendships and social engagements know to address the social determinents of health. The musicians are paid a stipend to perform to an audience of 30 to 35 seniors. The performers are varied to attack a variety of seniors. - Elmcrest Children’s Center, Onondaga County
H.E.A.T. (Highly Empowered Amazing Talent) Film Project I $2,125
Elmcrest youth are creating an original movie through the H.E.A.T. Theater Program, centered on youth voices, creativity, and the values that define our community. From script development and filming to costumes, videography, and post-production, this project is a hands-on opportunity for youth to collaborate, learn, and tell a meaningful story, together. - Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Onondaga County
Liverpool is the Place Concert Series I $2,800
Liverpool is the Place Concert Series located in the Village of Liverpool at Johnson Park’s Open-Air theatre. Twenty-two concerts every Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm starting on June 8, 2026 to August 19, 2026. A wonderful variety of music genre from Blues to Rock-n-Roll, Jazz and Big Bands. - Village of Liverpool, Onondaga County
Community Willow Basketry Workshop I $2,000
The “Community Willow Basketry Workshop” project will provide a 3-day sequential free community workshop in the making of a traditional Liverpool willow basket in August 2026 in Liverpool, New York, taught by Willow Artist, Bonnie Gale. The workshop will be held at the Village Hall. The workshop will be open to youth and adults in the region. There will also be a lecture/presentation open to the public as well as public tours. - Learning Disabilities Association of CNY, Onondaga County
LAUNCH- 2026 LAUNCHing Our Talents I $1,000
Project LAUNCHing Our Talents is a celebration of creativity where participants showcase their artistic abilities in any medium they choose. The event features an art gallery displaying works such as sculpture, painting, ceramics, fiber arts, and other visual creations. It also includes a live performance show where individuals share talents like singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, comedy, and more, providing a welcoming space for participants to express themselves and highlight their unique skills. - Remsen-Steuben Historical Society, Oneida County
250th Remsen Remembers I $800
The 250th Remsen Remembers Program will be a weekend event on July 18-19th highlighting the history of our area since Revolutionary times including historic building tours, original folk songs written about the area, colonial children’s games, lectures on the contributions of the Oneida Indian Nation and Fort Stanwix to the American Revolution, and historical exhibits. The event is free and open to everyone. - Village of West Winfield, Herkimer County
Music Mondays in the Park, Village of West Winfield I $1,750
Enjoy FREE weekly concerts in the West Winfield Town Memorial Park every Monday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Concerts are held under the large pavilion. Bring your own chair or sit at one of many picnic tables under the open pavilion while enjoying a free concert by a variety of musical groups (musical genre varies from week to week). Food trucks are available every week before (beginning at 5:00 pm) and during concerts. - Remsen Arts Center, Oneida County
Remsen Concert Series 2026 I $1,450
The Remsen Concert Series presents various live stage performances in the Remsen Arts Center from May through December. - Unity Hall Foundation, Oneida County
Unity Hall 2026 Theatre Collaboration Project I $1,450
Unity Hall and the Theater at Woodshill are collaborating to present a third season of professional winter theater in rural Upstate New York. The project will feature a production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, offering affordable public performances, artist talkbacks, and community events. The initiative expands access to professional theater for rural audiences while providing paid opportunities for actors and technical artists and sustaining cultural programming in Unity Hall’s historic 1896 theater. - The Covey Theater Company, Onondaga County
The Inheritance: a Reading – Kickoff to Pride Month I $1,000
Matthew Lopez’s epic 2 part play inspired by EM Forster’s ‘Howard’s End,’ explores the lives of three generations of gay men in New York City decades after the AIDS epidemic. Examining themes of love, legacy, survival, and what one generation owes to the next, this staged reading plays over 4 nights at Jazz Central in late May, serving as a kick-off to Pride Month. A collaboration with LGBTQIA+ community-building organization Come Out Central New York. - Oneida Lake Arts and Heritage Center, Oneida County
Lake Effect & Local Lore I $2,125
OLAH’s Lake Effect & Local Lore initiative launches the organization’s 2026 relaunch season following a recent facility transition. Hosted at St. David’s Episcopal Church, the residency features the Lake Effect Chamber Orchestra (LECO) under conductor and composer Logan Blackman and centers on the premier of Syracuse Suite for Strings, a programmatic work inspired by Central New York’s history and landscape. The series will also feature contemporary Syracuse duo Dram Fools. - Alliance Classical Players, Oneida County
Piano Thursdays Concert Series I $2,725
Piano Thursdays is a four-concert series on Thursday evenings in summer 2026, promoting the collaboration of wind/piano chamber music and presenting outstanding public performances. - Preservation Revitalization of Pulaski, Oswego County
Pulaski Farmers Market Free Concert Series I $2,875
The Pulaski Farmers Market is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season. The market has released the lineup for the free concert series featuring live music every week of the market. From June 5th until the end of August, our concert series will feature local musicians with a wide array of musical styles and talent. The market has 40+ vendors, several food trucks and free music every Friday from 4-8pm. - National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, Madison County
Underground Railroad Storyteller Vanessa Johnson I $798
Artist and storyteller Vanessa Johnson will share stories from the Underground Railroad at the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum as it joins an Emancipation Day Celebration, Saturday August 1, 2026, 1-4pm. Vanessa will perform 2-3pm. There is ample to visit the Museum before or after the performance, and to experience other celebratory events being held in Peterboro. - Fayetteville Free Library, Onondaga County
Arts for All at the Library I $3,750
This project will present high-quality arts and cultural performances, and participatory experiences at the public library that are free, welcoming, and accessible to all. Designed to remove financial, physical, and social barriers to participation, the initiative will ensure that people of all ages, abilities, and income levels can engage meaningfully with professional artists in a trusted and inclusive community space. - Little Falls Public Library, Herkimer County
Summer Concerts & Art in the Park Series I $2,250
The Little Falls Public Library Summer Concerts & Art in the Park Series presents local performers and local artists representing a variety of musical genres and artistic styles and media to a diverse audience. - Oneida Public Library, Oneida County
Summer Concert Series I $1,800
The Oneida Public Library would like to invite their community to experience up and coming regional artists such as Shawn Smith and Ryan Quinn who both were on the hit NBC TV show, The Voice, Nashville recording artist, Alyssa Trahan, as well as a special international guest from Taiwan for concerts they surely won’t forget, free to the public. - Great Swamp Conservancy, Madison County
Nature’s Inspiration Art Series I $2,000
The Great Swamp Conservancy’s Nature’s Inspiration Art Series offers adults in CNY a chance to experience how the natural environment is often the muse for many artists. This series will feature a variety of professional artists instructing free, hands-on workshops for the public, that incorporate the environmental themes of plants, wildlife, and landscapes. Weather permitting, classes will include outdoor exploration to demonstrate the inspirational role our natural world can have upon artists. - Dodge Pratt Northam Art & Community Center, Oneida County
Connecting Our Youth Through Art and Musical Theater I $2,950
DPN will host “Mythology Art” themed summer classes for ages 5-15. From Dragons to Mermaids, youth will create their own artwork while learning the literary/cultural origins of these mythical creatures. Youth from the greater Boonville area, ages 7-18, will produce a major musical. All areas of production will rely heavily on the input of youth under adult mentors. Both art & musical theater will be immersive, hands-on programs culminating in free public exhibitions and performances. - The Folkus Project, Onondaga County
2026 Season I $950
During 2026, Folkus will present 16 acoustic music shows, featuring performers from a variety of genres, including Americana, folk, bluegrass, traditional/roots, singer-songwriter, and more. Folkus offers the audience the opportunity to hear consistently high-quality music, discover new artists, and be part of a community of acoustic music fans. - Rural and Migrant Ministry of Oswego County, Oswego County
Floral Design workshops, Summer and Holiday I $1,000
As part of our mission we offer programs for our clients in crafts, art, and holiday wreath making. This allows underserved clients exposure to opportunities others take for granted. This year we plan to offer healthy cooking demonstrations, Floral design, Leather crafts and Wreath making. These events are held either at our facility or across the tracks at Half-Shire Historical Society in case of a larger crowd or need for space. - Utica Children’s Museum, Oneida County
Worldwide Day of Play I $2,000
The Utica Children’s Museum participates annually in the Worldwide Day of Play in September to offer a completely free event to local families which features a variety of community organizations and lots of activities for children and their families to enjoy. The event offers opportunities for children to create art, participate in physical activity, engage with other local organizations, as well as participate in interactive STEM activities. - Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives, Cortland County
World Premiere and Regional Tour of “Civil! A New Musical” I $2,000
Developed during this the 250th anniversary of our country, “CIVIL!” is an interactive musical about two teenage brothers torn apart by the American Civil War and forced to survive on opposite sides of a divided nation. “CIVIL!” was conceptualized by local lyricists and arranged by musicians from around the world. Featured in the story are places, events, and people from central NY, bringing to life the triumphs and tragedies of American history in our community. - UNiTY Street, Inc, Onondaga County
Salt City Honk! Presents: Shake Your Brass Bash I $2,125
Salt City Honk! is a community arts celebration hosted by UNiTY Street Band, bringing activist street bands from across the Northeast together with Central New York artists and audiences. In celebration of the band’s 10th year, this year’s event will expand to include local community bands, Syracuse Regional STEAM High School student musicians and youth entrepreneurs, and nonprofit arts organizations, creating a larger, more inclusive festival that uplifts music, creativity, collaboration, and community connection. - The Midtown Utica Community Center, Oneida County
AAPI 2026 Celebration I $2,950
The Midtown Community Center is hosting its third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration on May 9th. This free family-friendly community event aims to foster cross-cultural connection, amplify the voices of AAPI community members, and highlight the vital role they play in the vibrancy and growth of the region. Attendees can enjoy food from local AAPI restaurants, live cultural performances, vendor tables with local Asian-owned businesses, and a community basket raffle. - Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland County
Fairie Forest: A 0 to 3 year old nature play space I $1,500
The Fairie Forest at the Lime Hollow Nature Center is a whimsical, accessible, child-friendly space where children can become completely immersed in nature! The space will feature a network of mini-dwellings built by tiny woodland creatures, a cob hut where children can use their imagination, a mud kitchen with water supplied from the nearby creek, and pop-up structure built by children using natural materials. - Society for New Music, Onondaga County
Live Music for Silent Film-Surrealist American Silent Shorts I $2,750
The Society for New Music will present “Surrealist American Silent Shorts and the Great Buster Keaton” in the Fall of 2026. We will commission local composer Ed Ruchalski to complete a new score to be performed by The Society for New Music players. There will be two performances in Onondaga county. The 50-minute film will be followed by a talk back moderated by Film expert and Lemoyne College professor, Julie Grossman. - Madison Hall Association Inc., Madison County
Madison Hall Association Inc. – Sundays on the Porch I $800
Madison Hall in Morrisville, NY presents a five-part series presenting musical artists from the area. Artists and dates to be announced. - The Alchemical Nursery Project Inc, Onondaga County
Garden Art Plant Signs in Public Green Spaces I $2,700
The Garden Art Signs project works with local artists and community members to create painted representations of plants grown in the Alchemical Nursery Project’s publicly stewarded greenspaces. These signs are “planted” on the sites to identify the plants, and to provide a pop of color and art for space users, and for general placemaking. Each sign is unique to the artist or resident who paints it showcasing a wide range of styles and skills! - The Art Thing Collaborative, Inc, Herkimer County
The “REEL” Thing: A Free Outdoor Film Series I $2,250
The REEL Thing is a free outdoor film series presented across five canal towns (Little Falls, Herkimer, Mohawk, Ilion, and Frankfort) from June through September. Each community will host one classic film that brings neighbors together for a shared moviegoing experience. Screenings will emphasize stories that reflect the character of the region with cross-generation appeal, and be scheduled alongside existing summer events, such as Canal Days, whenever possible, with subtitles and community spotlight moments included. - Clinton Symphony Orchestra of the Mohawk Valley, Oneida County
Carmen & Company I $2,725
Side-by-Side Concert: Capriccio Brillante on the “Jota Aragonesa” – Mikhail Glinka, Andante Festivo – J. Sibelius, Waltz No. 2 from Jazz Suite – D. Shostakovich, Carmen Suite No. 1 and No. 2 – G. Bizet. This concert involves young emerging musicians performing the same music with seasoned professional players in the orchestra. This works to promote mentorship and community engagement within our niche concentration. - Narratio, Onondaga County
The Narratio Program I $2,800
Narratio activates and amplifies the creative expression of displaced young people through arts education, workshops, performances and publishing. Our flagship program is the only U.S. -based initiative building cohorts of resettled refugee youth to shape and influence the global conversation around displacement and cultural production. Through the year-long program, participants work with an AIR to develop and share stories across various contexts, and receive media training, leadership development, and networking support, and academic advising. - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, Oswego County
Nature Inspires Workshops I $1,000
Nature Inspires is a series of creative art‑instruction workshops that explore the connection between artistic expression and the natural world. Each session highlights materials, themes, or techniques drawn from nature, encouraging participants to engage with their environment in meaningful ways. The series includes four classes, each lasting two to three hours, and is led by talented New York State artists who guide attendees through hands‑on, nature‑focused artistic experiences. - Oneida County History Center, Oneida County
The Sound of America, 250 Years I $3,200
Oneida County History Center presents “The Sound of America – 250 Years” featuring Monk Rowe and The Five Families Ensemble. This concert commemorates the American Semiquincentennial, exploring the legacy of the American Revolution and our journey as a nation. It highlights themes of patriotism, inequality, and freedom, along with regional history. The ensemble brings historic songs to life, accompanied by stories and quotes, showcasing the unique sound of American music, now heard ‘round the world. - Fulton Jazz Fest, Oswego County
2026 Fulton Jazz Fest I $2,000
Fulton Jazz Festival brings Jazz music from world-renowned artists to the very best in local talent in free, festival-style atmosphere. - Upstate Caring Partners, Onondaga County
pieces of heART: Celebrating Ability Through Art I $1,765
Upstate Caring Partners and the pieces of heART art program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities envisions creating a mural at one of the Utica area’s little league ball fields which reflects an inclusive sports community. An art instructor on staff at Upstate Caring Partners with experience in large scale works will design the mural, and the persons we support in our art program will each have opportunities to contribute to the finished project. - Syracuse Polish Festival, Onondaga County
Syracuse Polish Festival I $1,000
The Syracuse Polish Festival will again take over Clinton Square and provide a magical ambiance for the residents of Central New York with the three-day family-friendly celebration of Polish culture, heritage, and traditions kicking off Friday, June 12 and running until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. Please join us to celebrate Polish culture and taste traditional Polish cuisines! - Joined Artists, Musicians & Singers, Inc, Onondaga County
JAMS Funk Fest 2k26 I $1,500
National Recording Artists, After 7, Stokley, Karyn White and/or Glen Jones will headline a day long festival at Chevy Court with top regional bands and youth performers. A public Meet and Greet, with the headliners will be held on the evening before at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel. - Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music, Onondaga County
Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music I $2,500
The Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music presents the Camerata RCO in concert on October 24, 2026 in Syracuse. The Camerata RCO is a unique ensemble with all of its musicians members of the Royal Concert Orchestra in Amsterdam. - Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Oneida County
Ritmo Caribeno & Raices Youth Cultural Dance Program I $2,800
MVLA and the Buddha Dama Thuka Temple are partnering to celebrate Afro‑Puerto Rican heritage through Bomba and Plena dance. Youth dancers from both groups will learn these traditions together, creating unique intercultural exchange for the Mohawk Valley. The project includes three free community Bomba and Plena classes and culminates in a featured performance at the Latino American Festival. This initiative expands cultural access, strengthens community connection, and uplifts the region’s appreciation for Afro‑Puerto Rican traditions. - Rematriation Inc, Onondaga County
Rematriation – Winter Indigenous Art Market I $2,500
Rematriation proposes a cultural celebration and marketplace called the Rematriation Winter Indigenous Art Market. Held in Downtown Syracuse, the event will bring together Indigenous arts, crafts, food, fashion, and storytelling. Grounded in the concept of rematriation, the return of land, culture, and ceremony to Indigenous women and their communities, the gathering will honor the living creative traditions of the Haudenosaunee peoples whose ancestral lands include the place now known as Syracuse. - Half Shire Historical Society, Oswego County
Richland Hamlet Farmer’s Market Summer Concert series I $2,000
Our facility is located in Richland Hamlet which is an impoverished small community west of Pulaski. While our work serves the greater region as a research facility, we offer our site for community events such as the Richland Farmer’s Market, and want to expand our annual concert series on our grounds as part of the June-September market. We are looking for help to offer twelve nights of music this summer. - Oswego Players, Oswego County
Oswego TeleHistory Tour I $2,875
The Oswego Players and the Oswego County Historical Society, in cooperation with the City of Oswego, will be mounting QR code embedded plaques across the city at sites of cultural relevance. The codes will link to video reenactments of historical events in said locations narrated by historians (curated by Historical Society) and re-enacted by local actors (provided by Oswego Players). Reenactments will weave a tapestry of how our past shapes our city’s culture and character. - Town of Schroeppel, Oswego County
Music in the Park Concert Series 2026 I $1,600
Our music series consists of eight outdoor concerts located on the scenic Oswego River at Lock One, Henley Park, in downtown Phoenix, NY, Monday evenings 6-8 pm July and August 2026. This venue is centrally located, easily accessible by everyone. It has a large outdoor pavilion, electricity, grassy area, picnic tables, shade trees, plenty of parking, and is within walking distance for many residents. Concession is available provided by local nonprofit organizations and businesses. - CNY Playhouse, Onondaga County
2026 Season Community Theater Support I $1,000
CNY Playhouse will use grant funding to replace outdated, unsafe, and inefficient lighting equipment and support stipends for production team members throughout the season, including stage managers, designers, musicians, choreographers, and directors. - The Arts Project Syracuse, Onondaga County
The Arts Project Syracuse I $2,000
The Future Content Creator Studio for Under-Resourced Children, led by The Arts Project Syracuse (TAPS), introduces youth to filmmaking, digital storytelling, and video editing through hands-on workshops. Participants learn to develop ideas, film, and edit their own projects while gaining creative and technical skills. This program expands access to media arts education, empowering under-resourced children to express their voices, build confidence, and explore future opportunities in creative media and storytelling. - Town of Augusta Creative Arts, Oneida County
Town of Augusta Creative Arts I $1,425
Town of Augusta Creative Arts is a nonprofit community resource in the Town of Augusta municipality. Our fine art classes are available to adult who wish art lessons, but can’t because of cost, ability, locality, and financial limitations. The average student age is 70. We follow NY STATE Standards for the arts,( NYSED). The students experience creation, history, social integration & esteem building by presenting or selling their own art. We provide materials & speakers. - View Arts Center, Herkimer County
Enhancing Arts Education for Rural Students in Advanced Studios I $2,000
View will collaborate with the local K-12 school to provided enhanced artistic learning opportunities for students, focusing on programming that they are not set up for or can not physically do with their facilities. The program would allow their Art Department to offer a more robust curriculum to its students. The planned projects would involve advanced techniques of glass manipulation (like stained glass) and pottery (intermediate to advanced wheel throwing and Raku firings). - Rome Community Theater, Oneida County
Rome Community Theater Children’s Summer Theater Program I $1,425
The Rome Community Theater Summer Children’s program provides a free opportunity for children ages 4-18 to learn to cooperatively perform in front of a live audience, using creative skills such as stage direction, timing, memorization, blocking and choreography, character development, and stage voice, including singing. Backstage skills such as set, costumes, lights, sounds, and props are also taught. RCT is an inclusive environment, and all children are welcomed and encouraged to audition. - Westcott Area Cultural Coalition, Onondaga County
Westcott Street Cultural Fair I $1,500
The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is a one-day festival celebrating the diversity of our neighborhood through music, dance and art. - Oriskany Museum, Oneida County
History & Artisan Day I $1,450
Oriskany History and Artisan Day is a special theme week during the Oriskany Farmers Market to promote local history, arts, and culture in the lead up to the anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany, which occurred nearby on August 6, 1777. The battle was fought by a volunteer force from the Mohawk Valley, including the Oneida who lived here at Oriska, against incurring British forces during the Revolutionary War. - Syracuse Contemporary Dance Company, Onondaga County
In Concert 2026 I $1,000
Syracuse Contemporary Dance Company’s In Concert 2026 is a two-night contemporary dance festival showcasing a wide range of movement styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Kathak, and Hip Hop. Through a thoughtfully curated program, the festival celebrates the creativity and diversity of talented choreographers and dancers from Central New York. - Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, Oneida County
10th Juneteenth Celebration: Local Family Tree Portraits I $3,500
MUNPC presents Roots & Fruit: Family Tree Portrait Project as part of Utica’s 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. The project documents Utica’s Black community through 100 professional family portraits and oral histories, honoring the 100th year of national Black history recognition. Portraits will be displayed across family trees connected by a red timeline tracing the community’s development over 150 years. We plan to exhibit at Juneteenth and later with Munson and the Oneida County History Center. - Utica Creative Reuse, Oneida County
Trash to Treasure Art Challenge I $2,725
The Trash to Treasure Art Challenge is a community art project designed to encourage community members to use art to explore individual self-expression, community identity, and environmental stewardship. To participate in the challenge, create a work of art incorporating objects found while cleaning up litter! Join a free class to learn more about creating found-object art, and submit your work to be included in a gallery exhibition at Utica Creative Reuse, on view July 2026.
Individuals
- Colleen O’Neil, Oneida County
Portraits of the Songs That Shape Our Lives I $1,450
Standards Re-Imagined: Portraits of the Songs that Shape Our Lives is a four-concert series that focuses on the songs written in the early days of jazz (the 1920’s or so) that became standards known the world over, songs that stand the test of time and place. Each concert will include songs that meet this description, in original arrangements by the performers, accompanied by engaging content that describes their historical and cultural significance. - Amanda Rogers, Onondaga County
At Least Forever, an Upstate NY Album Project I $2,500
At Least Forever, is an EP album project (6-8 songs) of original music written, performed, and produced by Amanda Rogers. As her 14th solo album, this album utilizes and showcases the wonderful skills of all CNY musicians (8), engineers (3), artists (2), photography/artwork, studios, and venues to produce a polished album that will be an emotional experience and a heartwarming sense of regional pride for the audience. Timeless songwriting and professional performances. - Aaron Lee, Oswego County
Sequential Arts Comics Workshop I $3,275
The Sequential Arts Comics Workshop is a three-session workshop where students will learn the history of graphic novels and comics. Students will then create their own visual stories, featuring original characters that they will design. The completed stories will be scanned and formatted for publishing in an anthology comic book that will be made available for free at the Oswego Public Library. - Vanessa Johnson, Onondaga County
“RESIST” – A Community Journey in Cloth, Dye, and Stories I $4,186 - “Resist!” – a community journey in cloth, dye and stories! Fall 2026 McKinley Brighton Elementary After School 2nd and 3rd graders will be involved in a fiber arts project with artist Vanessa Johnson. They will explore traditional resist dying methods from Africa and the African Diaspora, including Tie Dying, Batik, Paste Resist, Folding, Binding, Stitching, and Stamping. The project will culminate in an exhibit in the school, and participation in a community exhibition.
“Jerry Rescue Community Reenactment” I $1,000
On October 1, 1851, Abolitionists of Syracuse broke William “Jerry” Henry out of jail, stopping him from being sent back to enslavement, by helping him escape to Canada! Lend your voice and play a role in this lively and historic reenactment of the real events of the day! Lend your voice to Freedom! Everyone attending gets a part to play! “Free Jerry!” - Mišo Suchý, Onondaga County
Defying Gravity: A Youth Cinematic Journey I $3,275
Teens with a Movie Camera Artist Collective connects city teens with local artists through collaborative, experiential filmmaking. Following exhibitions at the Everson Museum and ArtRage, our 2026 project,”Defying Gravity,”explores overcoming obstacles through movement and cinema. Since 2024, TwMC has fostered an inclusive environment where teens experiment with animation, light, and sound to build artistic confidence. We provide a professional platform for youth to challenge creative boundaries and share their unique stories from the Syracuse community. - Sydney Schultz, Onondaga County
The Paths We Weave I $4,000
The Paths We Weave is a large-scale woven willow sculpture set within the drumlins of Thornden Park in Syracuse. Visitors follow a winding path to a central tower which frames views of the park and city, reflecting the interconnectedness of nature, community, and place. Constructed from willow donated by ESF and supported by the Syracuse Parks Department, the sculpture celebrates resilience and impermanence, evolving with the seasons before returning to the earth. - Kelso Mayo, Oneida County
Positive Signs I $1,250
Positive Signs is a public art project that installs a series of hand-painted affirmation signs throughout Utica, New York. Using traditional sign-painting techniques and durable One Shot enamel, the project celebrates craft, typography, and public joy. Six to eight signs (approximately 4–5 feet long) will feature uplifting messages designed to brighten everyday spaces. Alongside the installations, public workshops will invite community members to learn basic sign-painting skills and create their own small affirmation signs. - Loren Barrigar, Onondaga County
Loren & LJ Barrigar Music Duo x C.W. Baker High School I $1,750
Loren and LJ Barrigar, accomplished father/son duo, demonstrate virtuoso guitar skills, explain the Chet Atkins finger-style guitar method, highlight song choice selection considerations, and present an educationally curated, multi-faceted concert-assembly. This Masterclass highlights Loren’s award-winning abilities and remarkable return to performing after a severe injury that left him without full use of his fret hand fingers and LJ’s impressive guitar abilities. It features selected students who volunteer to sing or play on stage with them. - Samuel Gruber, Onondaga County
Westcott Words and Music I $1,500
The Westcott Neighborhood Association (WNA) presents a year-long series of performances by local writers and musicians in local venues. Westcott Words and Music includes poetry readings, author talks, and musical performances, and a musical memorial event, and a music-filled neighborhood Halloween dog parade. Typically, events are held at local eateries (Mom’s Diner, Munjed’s Middle Eastern Restaurant, ec) and Petit Branch Library, but we are always open to new local partners and venues. - Nicholas Gentile, Oswego County
PORTfolio: Chapbooks, Zines, and other Publications I $1,500
What is a PORTfolio? PORTfolio is an exciting analogue experience for both live audiences and readers alike! PORTfolio is a micropublishing project of pocket-sized booklets designed and printed by artists from Oswego, the PORT City. PORTfolio promises the Thrill of unique public events augmenting the theme of each new issue. PORTfolio is the collaboration between artists and writers working hand-in-hand to design each new edition. PORTfolio is the intersection of arts, entertainment, and local culture. - Gemma Cooper-Novack, Onondaga County
Writers Voice of CNY – Young Writers Intensive I $2,000
Young writers in Syracuse will gather on the campus of Syracuse University for a weeklong intensive program in poetry, fiction writing, and playwriting, taught by local professional writers and MFA students. Young writers will experience new facets of craft through local guest artists in such fields as comics, game design, and digital narrative, creative inspiration, and development through supportive workshops! - Lisa Price, Onondaga County
Deviant Productions – Thinning of the Veil I $2,750
Thinning of the Veil is an immersive production where audiences explore the boundary between reality and imagination through movement and visual art, sharing intimate encounters with performers in a space that dissolves the line between audience and stage. Each moment unfolds through a symbolic “veil,” offering a unique perspective that invites reflection, perception, and transformation. This year, the production will include a youth art showcase, highlighting local talent and celebrating shared creativity across generations. - Tatianna Monet, Onondaga County
The Growing Hive: A Community Weaving Project I $2,500
The Growing Hive is a participatory installation at the Central Library exploring how collective action transforms scarcity into abundance. This “starving” hive structure physically grows over three months as community members add symbolic “honey” and woven flowers. Contribute at your own pace via our self-guided fiber station or join a hands-on workshop. Together, we demonstrate that a mindset of lack is cured when individual contributions become shared resources. Join us in healing the hive! - Jessie Stark, Madison County
Hamilton Tango Weekend I $3,550
Hamilton Tango Weekend is Hamilton Village’s second annual event celebrating Argentine tango through both music and dance. The weekend will begin with a free community workshop for string players, offering local musicians the opportunity to bring their instruments and learn foundational techniques used to create the distinctive tango sound. The following day, community members are invited to return for a tango dance class followed by a live tango music concert! - Mark Teece, Cortland County
Metal Origami – Creating Organic Forms in Sheet Metal I $2,500
This three-session hands-on workshop will introduce high school students to innovative metal origami techniques. Students will explore how to transform flat sheets of metal into three-dimensional nature-inspired sculptural forms using heat, hammers, and folding techniques. Through guided instruction and individual exploration, students will develop technical skills, creativity, and confidence in working with metal. Through critiques of each others work, students will gain presentation skills to talk about their own work and those of others. - Francisco Suarez, Onondaga County
From Suarez’s Basement – Educational Podcast I $2,000
From Suarez’s basement, the educational podcast is already gaining momentum—and it’s only the beginning. Our target? Reaching 100 episodes and becoming one of the most-listened-to podcasts in CNY and beyond. This project builds on FSB’s first steps and proves that with hard work, discipline, and adding consistent value, success is within reach. We will start the second phase of the podcast by investing in the human resources, technology, equipment, and promotion to hit our target. - Aziyanna Chavis, Onondaga County
Keepers of Memory: A Portrait and Poetry Series I $2,500
Keepers of Memory is a portrait photography and poetry exhibition honoring elders in our community through image and verse. Each participant will be photographed and paired with an original poem inspired by conversations about their life experiences and wisdom. The series preserves intergenerational stories while creating a visual archive of community memory, culminating in a public exhibition from October 2 through November 3. - Jo Boring, Cortland County
Corset Cabaret I $1,500
Corset Cabaret is an 18+ variety show on the second floor stage at the historic Cortland Corset Building in Cortland NY. Corset Cabaret features professional drag, burlesque, and variety artists from across upstate New York. The July 7th edition will be dedicated to the community celebration of Pride. It will also feature live body painting by local artist Ashe Martin. - Lauren Baker, Onondaga County
2026 Lipe Art Park Exhibition Season I $1,000
The 2026 Lipe Art Park Exhibition Season will feature eight calls for artists to create and install new temporary works at Lipe Art Park in Syracuse, NY. Selected artworks will be unveiled on July 18, 2026, during the Art Extravaganza Festival and will remain on view through June 2027. This season celebrates artistic innovation, community engagement, and the transformative power of public art. - Chris Wildrick, Onondaga County
Geek/Art CONfluence 2026 I $830
The Geek/Art CONfluence is an artwork in the form of a comic con. It takes place at Syracuse University and is run by Chris Wildrick through the School of Art. It focuses on creativity in fandom, inclusiveness within geek culture, and acting as a bridge between the university and the surrounding community. It features scores of artists and small businesses from central New York, numerous creative activities and contests, artist speakers, and academic panels. - Joseph Karwacki, Oneida County
The Lost Child: A Theatrical Music Suite with Narrative I $2,500
A 55-minute original chamber jazz and spoken-word suite exploring Time, Creation, Memory, and the human condition, performed by the quintet Punctum Originem across Central New York. - Johanna Beale Keller, Onondaga County
Mr. Dickens is Coming to Town! I $2,500
In 1868 the world’s most famous living author, Charles Dickens, came to Syracuse to read “A Christmas Carol” to a sold-out crowd. He did not like our fair city, and yet when he walked into the auditorium, he was suddenly in a jolly mood! What happened to change his mind? Weaving history with imagination, this is a holiday story about hometown loyalty and love, the power of literature, and the wisdom of children. - Marc-Anthony Polizzi, Oneida County
Trash to Treasure_2026 I $2,200
Strained is a new site-specific sculpture created from debris and discarded objects gathered during Earth Week cleanups, through community donations, and from materials sourced throughout Utica. Developed for Utica Creative Reuse, the project includes four free public workshops/open studios inviting community members to collect, clean, and transform found materials into an installation for the 2026 Trash to Treasure exhibition. - Michael Schwarzer, Onondaga County
Art In Windows 2026 Downtown Syracuse Expansion I $3,275
This 2026 initiative scales the Interactive Art in Windows project to revitalize downtown Syracuse. By adding four mobile art walls and activating the Salina Street art bank through live-action art and a mega-exhibition, the project drives foot traffic to vacant corridors. Partnerships with Parthenon Bookstore facilitate in-person artist engagements. This 24/7 illuminated Street Gallery uses interactive technology to connect pedestrians with contemporary art, fostering a safer, more culturally vibrant urban environment. - Juliet Giglio, Oswego County
Juliet Aires Giglio & Keith Giglio I $1,500
HAUNTED HEARTS is a two act play in the romantic comedy genre about Grant Best, a cynical TV reporter and Amy Shook, a historical society executive who become supernaturally linked by enchanted 1970s mood rings. Possessed by disco-loving spirits Joey and JoJo, the pair is forced into unwanted romances and must ultimately help the ghosts find peace at the Oswego Lighthouse. They eventually realize their own deep connection, choosing each other over their previous plans. - Jaleel Campbell, Onondaga County
Jalethal Dolls: The Bantu Collection I $2,500
Jalethal Dolls: The Bantu Collection marks my return to doll-making after a four-year pause in producing this body of work. The Jalethal dolls are hand-stitched textile figures that function as sculptural objects and symbolic representations of identity, memory, and cultural inheritance. Through this project, I will create a new collection of 50 original dolls that expand the visual and material language of the series while reconnecting with the origins of the work. - Andrea Doto, Cortland County
The Dusty & Dott Company – The Hurt Monster I $2,000
The Hurt Monster is an original puppetry-driven theatrical work for children and families exploring social-emotional learning through large-scale handcrafted puppets and visual storytelling. The story follows a child named Kiya who encounters a mysterious creature said to transform pain into light. Supported by the Jim Henson Foundation’s Family Grant, the project reflects artistic excellence and innovation and is produced by Central New York–based The Dusty & Dott Company. - Rashmi Deshpande, Onondaga County
Raas & Rhythm: A Celebration of Krishna Through Dance I $2,500
Raas & Rhythm: A Celebration of Krishna Through Dance is a multidisciplinary production blending Bharatanatyam and Indian folk traditions such as Raas and Garba. Through expressive Nritya, ensemble choreography, and devotional music, the performance portrays Krishna as child, beloved, protector, and teacher. The project engages youth and adult dancers and culminates in an inclusive, family-friendly performance that fosters cultural awareness and community connection in Central New York. - Karin Falcone, Oneida County
Typewriter Poetry Live! I $600
I type poems made to order on my antique portable typewriter. This unique form of public performance art is appropriate for all. I ask the person what they would like their poem to be about. I take notes and type a poem on the spot based on their request. The poem is typed on 81/2 x 51/2” vintage paper. They receive a one of a kind piece of art and literature to take home. - Erin Gardner, Oneida County
Needle Felting Fiber Arts Exhibition I $1,250
A two person fiber arts exhibition featuring a new series of needle felted works created by Erin Gardner of Grey Fox Felting. The exhibition explores contemporary approaches to fiber and material process. In conjunction with the exhibition, a needle felting workshop will provide hands-on instruction that will foster community engagement and expand access to contemporary fiber art practices. - Rachel Ivy Clarke, Onondaga County
Little Free Fibrary 2026 I $1,000
Little Free Fibrary is an interactive art project introducing people to textile arts. Materials and instructions for a basic quilting project are distributed via the existing network of “Little Free Libraries”—sites for free book exchanges where anyone may take or leave a book. Each participating LFL will offer a unique fabric to support a “scavenger hunt”-style challenge. Public workshops will offer instruction and help, with the option to contribute to a collaborative artwork. - Zelikha Shoja, Onondaga County
Moving Image Work “In Search for Bluer Tongues” I $2,400
Working with resettled and immigrant communities across New York State, I will be exploring how film can stitch together a ruptured landscape of memory and home. Working with non-actors in community centers, participants will stage domestic rituals and screen tests against backdrops of my maternal home in Afghanistan. The project culminates in a three-month public projection summer exhibition at the Everson Museum. - Molly Reagan, Cortland County
Cortland Youth Bureau – Suggett Park Rotary Shelter Mural I $2,000
Using bold shapes and a joyful color palette, the brown Rotary Shelter in Suggett Park will be transformed through a public mural into a vibrant, eye-catching and welcoming space in the park for all who use it for recreation and gathering. I will be painting abstract expressionist symbols that represent the neighborhood, the pavilion’s uses and the arts. - Jia Man, Onondaga County
Ikebana Photography: New Mixed-Media Works I $1,500
Ikebana Photography: New Mixed-Media Works is a series of new photographic artworks integrating the traditional Japanese practice of ikebana with contemporary mixed-media processes. Using natural materials such as flowers, branches, and stones, the artist creates ephemeral arrangements transformed into layered works. The project will be presented through solo exhibitions at Le Moyne College and multiple Central New York libraries, with free access and artist talks. - Jeff Tripoli, Onondaga County
Mendings Of Time – A Live Percussion Experience I $800
Mendings Of Time is a live percussion duo creating immersive, rhythm-based performances that are accessible, inclusive, and deeply human. Using drums, hand percussion, invented instruments, field recordings, and textured sound, the project centers on pulse and feeling rather than genre, allowing audiences of all backgrounds and experience levels to connect. Each performance becomes a unique shared listening space where rhythm serves as a universal language. - Jess Novak, Onondaga County
Jess Novak – F.I.R.E. (females inspire, rock, empower) Festival
F.I.R.E. (females inspire, rock, empower) Festival is a celebration of women in all things. The mission is to fill rooms with female creators of art, music, business and dance in an effort to show audiences the power of women and the opportunities that are possible when you follow your dreams.