Arts & Entertainment

​ArtsWestchester Seeking Donations For Matching Grant

The countdown is on to match $300,000 in the Art$WChallenge by the end of the month.

ArtsWestchester is seeking donations for matching grants for organizations around the county.
ArtsWestchester is seeking donations for matching grants for organizations around the county. (Google Maps screenshot)

WHITE PLAINS, NY — The Art$WChallenge, a public/private partnership between ArtsWestchester, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, has made available $300,000 in matching grant money to benefit arts and cultural groups in Westchester County through Dec. 31.

More than 120 arts organizations are eligible for between $1,500 to $7,500 in matching funds based on their ability to raise private monies before the end of the year.

ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam said that a recent study found that 87 percent of cultural organizations were not faring well during the coronavirus pandemic.

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“Community support has enabled us to keep the arts alive and vital in Westchester in good times — and in not so good times," she said. "Right now is one of those not so good times.”

Fifty-five groups have already made their Art$WChallenge match, together raising $485,000 in new private donations, of which $237,000 were eligible for the match, according to a spokesperson.

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“So, if you have been thinking about supporting the arts community that has been so badly hit by the pandemic, now is the time to make your tax-deductible year-end gift to help the others cross the finish line,” Langsam said.

Through December 31, new or increased donations made to any eligible Westchester arts group will be matched by ArtsWestchester with support from Westchester County Government. Click here to see if any of your favorite arts organizations are eligible for the match.

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