Yonkers Public Library (YPL) announced a grant award totaling $25,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded over $80 million since Spring 2023 to over 1,500 artists and organizations across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Research confirms what we’ve always known here in New York: arts and culture are a powerhouse, with a staggering return on investment for our economy and our communities. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $151.7 billion in economic activity nationwide in 2022 and New York’s unparalleled arts and culture sector is leading the way to benefit our residents, our students and our visitors every day. I commend these grantees on their achievements and look forward to their contributions in the coming year."
This is the first time YPL has received a grant from NYSCA. “We’re very proud to be recognized for the many ways we support arts appreciation and education in Yonkers, as well as its local artists. This grant will help us further expand our offerings and impact,” said Library Director Jesse Montero.
YPL’s Riverfront Library is the site of the Riverfront Art Gallery, which exhibits contemporary and acclaimed works from established and emerging artists, with a special emphasis on local artists and those that reflect the city's diverse communities. It's most recent exhibition “Across Imaginary Boundaries,” featured several Yonkers artists from the Caribbean diaspora. It's upcoming show, "Beyond the Physical" features Rockland County-based artist Roshan Houshmand. The Will Library is also featuring “The Art of Satish Joshi,” a retrospective of works from the noted local artist.
YPL also houses two of the largest public venues in the city: the Riverfront Auditorium at Riverfront Library and the I. Will Library auditorium, which both host large cultural programs and performances from local and regional artists.
Additionally, YPL supports the city’s thriving arts scene and community through artist education, professional development and networking opportunities such as the Artist Bootcamp series hosted earlier this year.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said “YPL supports our city’s thriving arts scene by fostering a love of arts and culture in our youth, championing emerging local artists through exhibitions, and hosting countless cultural programs and performances. I’m pleased to see the impact of those services recognized at the state level.”
NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls added, “Thanks to the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, NYSCA is so proud to support the work of organizations and artists from all across New York. Spanning the entire breadth of the arts and culture sector – from world-renowned performers to after-school programs, from long established museums to community arts collectives – these organizations and artists together are a powerful driver of health, tourism, economy and education for our residents and visitors. On behalf of Council and staff, congratulations to Yonkers Public Library and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity and your tireless service to New York State.”
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $127 million in FY 2024. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts
About Yonkers Public Library
Yonkers Public Library is the largest library in Westchester County. It consists of three locations: Riverfront Library, our main branch, in downtown Yonkers, the Grinton I. Will Library on Central Avenue, and the Crestwood Library in the Crestwood section of the city. Our mission is to change lives every day. Our expert, trusted staff help all the people of Yonkers find the information they need, the programs they enjoy, and the reading they love. For more information about Yonkers Public Library, visit www.ypl.org.