Historic $5M State Allocation Will Help ArtsWestchester Upgrade HQ

WHITE PLAINS, NY — An arts scene that is unique to Westchester just got a historic boost from the state.

ArtsWestchester in White Plains is set to receive a $5 million New York State budget allocation to modernize its landmarked headquarters and enhance cultural programming. The organization described it as the largest single state investment in ArtsWestchester's history.

The funding was secured through the New York State Westchester Assembly and Senate Delegation. ArtsWestchester said the allocation will expand its capacity to serve communities throughout Westchester County as downtown White Plains continues a major residential transformation.

"This $5 million investment is a defining moment for our organization and for every community we serve," said Kathleen Reckling, CEO of ArtsWestchester. "Our historic building has been a community anchor for nearly a hundred years, most recently serving as an incubator for creativity and a safe space for artistic expression. The Westchester Assembly and Senate delegation has demonstrated extraordinary vision and leadership in recognizing that the arts are essential to our communities and should be accessible to all. We are profoundly grateful for their commitment and their trust."

ArtsWestchester leadership and board members marked the announcement at the group's art gallery with members of the Westchester delegation. Also attending were White Plains Mayor Justin C. Brasch, Westchester County Association President and CEO Michael Romita, Business Council of Westchester Executive Vice President Noam Bramson, and Nonprofit Westchester Executive Director Jan Fisher.

The funding effort was led by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow, chair of the Assembly Ways & Means Committee. The organization also named Sen. Shelley Mayer, Assemblymember Amy Paulin, and Assemblymember Chris Burdick among those who worked to secure the funding, along with other members of the state delegation.

"ArtsWestchester has long been a cornerstone of Westchester County's cultural and economic vitality, enriching our communities, supporting artists, and strengthening our local economy," Stewart-Cousins said. "As Majority Leader, I was committed to working with Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and my colleagues in the Westchester delegation to secure this historic $5 million investment, because we know the arts are essential to creating vibrant, connected, and thriving communities."

ArtsWestchester, which was founded more than 60 years ago, is one of the largest arts councils in the United States. The organization said its exhibitions, public art installations, education programs, community initiatives, and state and county re-granting generate economic activity in Westchester County by attracting visitors, supporting artists and arts-related businesses, and expanding access to the arts.

"Our Westchester state delegation has supported state funding for ArtsWestchester and for local arts organizations for many years. This important grant will allow ArtsWestchester to play an even larger role in supporting local groups, artists, and creativity at their exhibit home in White Plains and throughout the county," said Assemblymember Steve Otis. "Congratulations to ArtsWestchester, CEO Kathleen Reckling, and to the art of teamwork with my legislative colleagues for securing this grant funding."