Emelin Theatre Awarded Handsome State COVID-19 Recovery Grant

MAMARONECK, NY — The pandemic hasn't been kind to local arts and cultural institutions like the Emelin Theatre for Performing Arts, but the theater has earned a new state grant that will help give hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The Emelin Theatre for Performing Arts will receive a $49,500 award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

The money is part of $45 million in grant awards intended to "provide critical aid to bolster nonprofit arts and culture organizations and artists as they embark on a dynamic multi-year recovery process," according to a statement from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announcing the grant winners.

NYSCA's round three grants include distinct Support for Organizations, Support for Artists, Special Opportunities and Recovery Grants. All four categories of funding provide organizations and artists with vital dollars to boost their recovery process in response to the devastating economic impact of the last year and a half. More than 60 percent of NYSCA's 2022 grantees have organizational budgets of $1 million or less, according to officials.

"The arts have long been a critical sector in our economy, and as we continue to rebuild a stronger New York, it's essential we do all we can help this industry thrive once again," Hochul said. "These awardees represent the best of what New York's vibrant communities have to offer and with this funding in hand, they will be able to not only continue their creative and inspiring work, but help spur revitalization in their own backyard as well."

The council created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 has a stated mission upholding the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. The Council on the Arts will award more than $100 million in 2022. NYSCA's statewide grants program supports the visual, literary, media and performing arts and includes dedicated support for arts education and underserved communities.

"Our goals for this transformative year included creating greater access, offering flexible funding solutions, and eliminating barriers to NYSCA's funding," NYSCA Executive Director Mara Manus said. "Our extraordinary field's input has been instrumental in redeveloping our process."