Rye Arts Center Lands $422K State Grant For Expansion Design

RYE, NY — The arts scene on the Sound Shore just got some big news.

The Rye Arts Center has been awarded a $422,000 Capital Projects Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to support the design phase of its Campus Expansion Project in Rye, according to the organization. The grant will help advance planning for a proposed new arts campus that the center said would expand arts and cultural programming and create two acres of public green space.

The Rye Arts Center said the project is intended to meet growing demand for arts programming in Rye, Westchester County and beyond. According to the announcement, the proposed campus would include art studios, makerspace and digital media labs, a preschool arts wing, expanded senior arts programming, a flexible performance space and a contemporary gallery for regional exhibitions. The organization also said the project would add a sculpture garden, outdoor studio, and performance lawn.

"New York's powerful arts and culture sector is a formidable asset," said Governor Kathy Hochul. "Our continued investments in museums, theaters, and art centers generate incredible returns — sparking innovation, boosting local economies, driving visitors, and making us the global epicenter of arts and culture."

"This grant is a powerful signal — from New York State and our entire arts community — that artistic and cultural expression can and will thrive in Rye for generations to come," said Adam Levi, Executive Director, The Rye Arts Center. "This grant accelerates the project's evolution from aspiration to action, and for that, we are deeply grateful to the Governor, NYSCA, and all of our local supporters."

Mayor Josh Nathan called the arts center "a cornerstone of arts and culture in our community." In the announcement, he said, "This significant investment from New York State underscores the importance of this project and reflects confidence in its potential to benefit Rye residents and strengthen the whole community.”

The award is part of New York State's investment in cultural infrastructure, according to the announcement, which said the funding recognizes projects with potential to strengthen communities, expand public access and support long-term economic and cultural vitality. The Rye Arts Center said the grant comes at a key point in the project's development and will help move the next phase of planning and design.

Founded in 1960, The Rye Arts Center is a multidisciplinary arts organization serving children, adults and families through visual arts, performing arts, arts education, exhibitions, performances and community programs, according to the announcement. The center said planning will continue as the campus project moves forward.