New York City Celebrates More Than $210 Million In Funding At 80 Cultural Nonprofits Citywide

Additional projects being supported by this new funding around the city will help to foster more accessible, sustainable, and vibrant cultural infrastructure across the city. Examples include a new children’s museum space within the Queens Museum; Joyce Theater’s 58,000 square-foot New York Center for Creativity & Dance in the East Village; Pregones / Puerto Rican Traveling Theater’s new home in the Bronx; the renovation of the Sesame Flyers’ home in Brooklyn; and the ongoing renovation and expansion of the Staten Island Museum.

The full list of organizations receiving funding in the city’s capital budget includes:

“DDC builds cool stuff all over the city, and whether it’s the Nuyorican Poets Café or the Clemente Soto Velez Center, the cultural projects we do with DCLA are some of the most interesting and gratifying projects in our entire portfolio,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “DDC is currently managing several major renovation projects at cultural institutions that were funded by DCLA, and those projects could be completed faster and more efficiently if DDC was allowed by the State to use a contracting method called CM-Build. The legislature passed a bill earlier this year approving CM-Build for cultural projects and we now urge the governor to sign it as soon as possible so we can make the best use of the City’s funding.”

“Access to art and culture is linked to wellbeing, improved quality of life, and safer neighborhoods. Public investment in this sector is critical to bolstering local economies, creating good-paying jobs, and driving economic activity. I’m proud to celebrate our city’s unparalleled arts sector, and remain committed to working with the mayoral administration to protect and expand funding for our vital cultural nonprofits,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.

“By supporting the arts, we are not just funding programs; we are enriching our communities, empowering artists, and creating invaluable avenues of exploration for our residents and families,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. I want to thank the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs for their commitment and dedication to investing in our cultural institutions and for ensuring our city remains a cultural mecca.”

“From museums to performance spaces to artist-support initiatives, these world-class institutions are the backbone of arts and culture in New York and have a positive impact on local communities and the economy. Leveraging capital investments like those announced today keep our city’s cultural ecosystem thriving and increasingly accessible,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “I’m thrilled to have been able to allocate much of my capital funding budget to these organizations, and I’m grateful to the Mayor and the City Council for including this diversity of cultural institutions in this year’s budget.”

“New York City is the cultural center of the world, bursting with art, music, and incredible cultural institutions for all to enjoy,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “These new capital investments into New York City’s cultural institutions and nonprofits are crucial to maintaining our city’s rich heritage and appeal. I am proud and grateful to join DCLA and my fellow elected officials in celebrating the self-expression of Brooklyn and this city through these investments which allow art, culture, and joy to flourish.”

“Culture is king in Queens – where we’re steadfastly committed to supporting, uplifting and enjoying our cultural institutions,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I’m thrilled our city is continuing its own commitment to our cultural institutions with this critical capital funding, and I’m grateful to the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs for its partnership in uplifting these organizations. We must continue to support our cultural institutions, not only because they’re an important aspect of our economy, but because they are the heart and soul of communities.”

Since the start of the Adams administration, the city has invested over $650 million in cultural capital projects citywide. Supporting everything from equipment purchases to new constructions of theaters, museums, and more, these investments help to ensure that the city’s cultural community continues to thrive and drive the city’s economy forward. In 2019, the city’s creative sector had a $110 billion total economic impact, generated $30 billion in wages, and employed 300,000 workers. Culture is also the backbone of the city’s tourism industry, which generates $74 billion in economic impact with more than $48 billion coming from direct spending. New York City attracted 62 million visitors last year, closing in on the 66 million high water mark achieved in 2019 and helping to drive the city’s economic recovery.

"We at National Sawdust extended our greatest thanks for the capital grant generously gifted from the Department of Cultural Affairs under the stewardship of Commissioner Cumbo and Mayor Adams, allowing us to make necessary accessibility and cosmetic updates to the facade and entry of our building. National Sawdust is launching into our 10th Anniversary Season and with this funding we can ensure that the next decade of innovation is alive and well at our home in Williamsburg,” said Ana De Archuleta, Managing Director, and Paola Prestini, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of National Sawdust.

"Again, this administration, this Mayor, this City Council, have prioritized a key sector that defines New York: culture," said Capt. Jonathan Boulware, President & CEO of South Street Seaport Museum. "We are grateful for the City's continued engagement in making arts, culture, and history accessible to all through strategic investments.  At South Street, this will lead directly to greater accessibility to the beginnings of New York!"

"El Museo del Barrio extends its deepest gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council for their unwavering support of New York City’s vibrant cultural sector, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all New Yorkers across all five boroughs. This capital funding is not just a financial contribution—it’s a vital endorsement of our mission to educate and inspire a diverse public. It allows us to continue celebrating the richness of Caribbean and Latin American arts and cultural history for generations to come," said Patrick Charpenel, Executive Director of El Museo del Barrio.

"We thank Mayor Adams, Commissioner Cumbo and the City administration for this vital investment that will allow our institution to renovate and expand to meet growing needs on site and throughout New York City. These investments are crucial in sustaining a thriving cultural sector in our city, ensuring that institutions like ours can continue to enrich the lives of New Yorkers for generations to come,” said Chad Cooper, Executive Director, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

"The DCLA Cultural Capital Investment in Harlem Stage, an organization that has commissioned and presented world-class art for over 40 years is a gift that will keep on giving…for years to come,” said shared Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Harlem Stage CEO & Artistic Director. “It expands our technical footprint, elevating how artists of the Global Majority can tell stories that matter in the 21st century.”

"At this moment in time,  it has never been more important for our children to learn about each other. At the Jewish Children's Museum, a landmark in Brooklyn, our mission is to teach youngsters about the history and culture of the Jewish people so they have a better understanding and respect for the different peoples and cultures that are their classmates, neighbors and friends. We're so grateful to Speaker Adams and the City Council, and Antonio Reynoso, the Borough President of Brooklyn, who have invested these significant capital funds in the Jewish Children's Museum and recognize its vision to create cultural appreciation and respect for each other. I also thank Mayor Adams for his steadfast support and continuous assistance. It is through the talented and professional team at the Department of Cultural Affairs - especially its fabulous and outstanding Commissioner,  Laurie Cumbo, that we are able to fulfill our dreams and hope for a better future for our children," said Devorah Halberstam, Director of External Affairs for the Jewish Children's Museum.

“All of us at Queens Botanical Garden are deeply grateful for the generous capital support from the City which will allow us to make critical pedestrian safety, accessibility, and aesthetic improvements to the North Gate Parking Garden area,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, Executive Director, Queens Botanical Garden. “Our visitors will be able to arrive safely and enter a new welcome garden that will immerse them in the beauty of nature right in downtown Flushing. Our deepest thanks to the Administration, Commissioner Cumbo, Speaker Adams, Borough President Donovan Richards, Council Member Sandra Ung, and the entire New York City Council for their investment in QBG as well as all of our cultural institutions."

“As Aperture prepares to establish a new, permanent home set on two floors of the historic building at 380 Columbus Avenue, we deepen our commitment to create community and understanding through the medium of photography,” said Sarah Meister, Executive Director, Aperture. “DCLA’s capital support, earmarked for technical equipment in our new space, will enable us to strengthen the impact of our free public events, art installations, and robust publishing program. We are grateful to our city leadership for helping us amplify our reach not only to fellow New Yorkers who are curious about photography, but to audiences worldwide.”

"At Lincoln Center, we are deeply committed to creating welcoming spaces for all New Yorkers and visitors alike. The transformation of Damrosch Park and the West side of the campus is a significant step toward making Lincoln Center a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone," said Leah C. Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing, Communications, and Advocacy Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. "Culture is intrinsic to the vibrancy of New York City. We appreciate the vote of confidence in this process and look forward to continuing to work with our partners in government to deliver a world-class performance park befitting New York City's standing as a global capital for the arts."

“The Staten Island Museum thanks Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo for this significant investment toward the completion of a STEAM Education Center that will take visitors on a journey through collections and interactive experiences to learn about the natural environment, understand human impact, and foster sustainability,” said Janice Monger, President & CEO, Staten Island Museum.

• “Belongó extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Adams, Commissioner Cumbo, Speaker Adams, Deputy Speaker Ayala, Councilmember Salaam, the Manhattan Delegation and Borough President Levine for their vital FY25 capital support of our new home, the Casa Belongó Music and Arts Center. Afro Latin Jazz serves as a gateway to a rich cultural tapestry, reflecting the unique history and contributions of Harlem’s vibrant community and the diverse city of New York. This support empowers Belongó to enhance access to the arts, provide educational activities, create community spaces, and host cultural events. We are thankful for the opportunity to give back, look ahead, and reshape the narrative of who we are and where we are going,” said Arturo O’Farrill, Founder and Artistic Director, Belongó.

“For nearly 60 years, Wave Hill has been a pioneer in horticulture, environmental education and place-based contemporary art. New York City’s generous capital funding ensures that all New Yorkers have access to our vibrant oasis in the city, inspiring meaningful connections to nature that ignite creativity and cultivate a profound sense of well-being,” said Ray Oladapo-Johnson, President and Executive Director of Wave Hill. “The upgrades enabled by the City’s capital funding will allow some of our most cherished garden areas to be fully accessible for the first time. With gratitude, we thank Mayor Adams and the Bronx Delegation of the City Council for their continued commitment to our community and mission as we strive to be a safe and welcoming space for all.”

“Theater Mitu is grateful to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, The Department of Cultural Affairs, The New York City Council, and Mayor Adams for allocating funds to secure a new seating system for our venue, MITU580. As an organization committed to innovation, this new seating system will galvanize our community, who come to engage with emerging and established artists integrating new technology into their imaginative performance work. The impact of this support will be felt as Mitu continues to establish itself as a vital cultural destination in Brooklyn, serving community members from all of the Boroughs, who are invested in using art as a way to build bridges across ideas, cultures, and communities,” said Theater Mitu Founding Artistic Director, Rubén Polendo.

“As Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates its 37th season and the 20th anniversary of Frederick P. Rose Hall—the House of Swing— the Jazz at Lincoln Center Board, Staff, and our Orchestra are immensely grateful to the City of New York for its ongoing support for our organization. Commissioner Cumbo, Borough President Levine, Council Member Brewer, and DCLA have consistently made clear that the performing arts are vital to New York City's identity. The House of Swing is the world's first purpose-built home for jazz and world’s first performance facility designed specifically for the sound, function, and warmth of jazz. As we mark this year’s milestone anniversary, capital funding from the City is more crucial than ever to maintain Jazz at Lincoln Center as a cultural destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. We send our sincerest thanks to our elected officials for helping us continue to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz,” said Jazz at Lincoln Center Executive Director Greg Scholl.