BCW Member ArtsWestchester Receives Historic $5 Million State Allocation

New York State Westchester Assembly and Senate Delegation Secures Landmark Investment, recognizing ArtsWestchester’s role as a regional cultural leader and driver of the creative economy in the state.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (July 23, 2026) As downtown White Plains undergoes a massive residential transformation, ArtsWestchester is preparing for its own major evolution backed by a $5 million New York State budget allocation to modernize its landmarked headquarters while enhancing cultural programming.

A historic $5 million capital allocation from the New York State Westchester Assembly and Senate Delegation, the largest single state investment in the organization’s history, will dramatically expand ArtsWestchester’s capacity to serve communities throughout Westchester County and strengthen its role as an important destination.

ArtsWestchester’s leadership and board members celebrated the $5 million allocation today at their art gallery with members of the Westchester delegation whose leadership and advocacy made this milestone possible. Also in attendance were City of White Plains Mayor, Justin C. Brasch; Michael Romita, President & CEO of Westchester County Association; Noam Bramson, Executive Vice President of Business Council of Westchester; and Jan Fisher, Executive Director of Nonprofit Westchester.

“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.”

The entire Westchester delegation championed the funding, led by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, Chair of Assembly Ways & Means Committee. Also working tirelessly to secure this funding were Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Assemblyman Chris Burdick. Additional vital support came from: Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Senator Pete Harckham, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky and Assemblyman Matt Slater.

Their unified advocacy in Albany secured an investment that demonstrates their profound understanding that the arts are vital to our downtowns, driving commerce, tourism, workforce development, and quality of life.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “ArtsWestchester has long been a cornerstone of Westchester County’s cultural and economic vitality, enriching our communities, supporting artists, and strengthening our local economy. 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. This funding reflects our shared dedication to ensuring ArtsWestchester can continue expanding opportunities, inspiring creativity, and making the arts accessible to residents across every corner of our county for years to come.”

ArtsWestchester, founded more than 60 years ago, is one of the largest arts councils in the United States.

“The Westchester Assembly Delegation is proud to stand united in support of ArtsWestchester and the transformative role it plays in our communities. This $5 million investment is about more than bricks and mortar, it is an investment in education, economic development, tourism, and the creative spirit that makes Westchester such a vibrant place to live. Together with our colleagues in the Senate, we worked to secure this historic funding because we recognize that strong arts institutions strengthen our neighborhoods, enrich our residents, and help drive our regional economy. We are proud to partner with ArtsWestchester as it enters this exciting new chapter,” said Assemblymember Gary Pretlow.

Through its exhibitions, public art installations, education programs, community initiatives, and state and county re-granting, ArtsWestchester generates significant economic activity for Westchester County — attracting visitors, supporting artists and arts-related businesses, and enriching the cultural fabric of the region’s diverse communities.

“I’m proud of all that ArtsWestchester has done for my district and beyond, and I’m thrilled that my colleagues and I were able to get this funding in the budget. I have seen firsthand the impact that ArtsWestchester has had in the communities I serve, from a local playwright getting her show produced, to an artist painting a mural at the elementary school he attended, to local pride events getting an additional boost, just to name a few. The arts are vital for building communities, for inspiring our youth, and for elevating our understanding of each other, and this funding will help ArtsWestchester to make greater strides in all these areas,” said Assemblymember Chris Burdick

Other members of the state delegation also expressed their support:

“I am proud that the New York State Senate and Assembly secured $5 million in state capital funding to help restore and expand ArtsWestchester’s historic building, where it will continue serving communities across Westchester County and the region. ArtsWestchester’s support for local artists and cultural organizations spurs economic activity, enriches our communities, and makes the arts more accessible. The rich arts in our communities inspire young people and demonstrate the power of creativity.  I am grateful to my colleagues in the Westchester State Delegation – especially Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins – for helping secure this critical funding,” said Senator Shelley Mayer.

“The arts have always held a special place in my life. I’ve loved dancing for as long as I can remember, and throughout the years it has been a source of joy and renewal. Whether through dance, music, theater, or the visual arts, art has the power to inspire and bring us together. ArtsWestchester makes those experiences accessible to all Westchester residents, enriching our communities. I’m proud to have worked alongside my Westchester colleagues in the Legislature to secure funding for ArtsWestchester, so that it can continue its extraordinary work in helping make Westchester such a wonderful place to live,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin.

“The arts are vital to our economy and culture. Championing this $5 million allocation alongside my colleagues in the delegation is an imperative part of ArtsWestchester’s journey. This funding represents a comprehensive approach to expanding programming and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to every resident of Westchester County. Investment in ArtsWestchester will expand its capacity, strengthen the local economy, and ensure a more vibrant future for our communities. I want to thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues for their advocacy and commitment to the arts community,” said Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.

“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. Congratulations to ArtsWestchester, CEO Kathleen Reckling, and to the art of teamwork with my legislative colleagues for securing this grant funding,” said Assemblymember Steve Otis.

“Investments in the arts enrich our communities in so many ways, and they are also a proven economic multiplier in terms of creating jobs, developing events and boosting Main Street businesses. That’s why I am proud of the strong financial support that the State Legislature has afforded ArtsWestchester, knowing that it will sustain the artistic endeavors and the continuous growth of local arts groups and artists,” said Senator Pete Harckham.

“The arts strengthen our communities, support our local economy, and enrich the lives of people of all ages. I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure this historic funding for ArtsWestchester, which will support its expansion and ensure its continuation of connecting residents and visitors with art for years to come. This funding is an investment in Westchester’s creative future and its vibrant communities that make our county such a special place,” said Assemblymember Dana Levenberg.

“ArtsWestchester has spent generations giving people a place to express themselves, learn from one another, and build community. This $5 million investment reflects our belief that the arts are central to the life of Westchester, supporting our local economy, opening doors for young people, and making our communities stronger,” said Assemblymember Nathalia Fernandez.

“ArtsWestchester has been a cornerstone of our county’s cultural identity for generations, enriching the lives of residents, supporting local artists and serving as an economic driver for communities across Westchester. This historic investment will ensure ArtsWestchester can continue expanding its reach and welcoming even more residents through a renovated, accessible facility that reflects the vibrant arts community it serves. I was proud to support this funding and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Matt Slater.

“Our communities’ services and amenities require an appropriate physical site for them to take place. This investment in ArtsWestchester’s main location in White Plains will help expand public access to cultural programming and create new opportunities for local artists and arts organizations. It is a commitment that recognizes the many wonderful artistic resources to be found in Westchester County and the ability of the arts to build community, enhance local economies, and provide lasting cultural benefits for the people who live here,” said Assemblymember Mary Jane Shimsky

ABOUT ARTSWESTCHESTER

ArtsWestchester is the largest private arts council in New York State and one of the largest in the country. For more than 60 years, ArtsWestchester has connected residents to the arts through a wide range of programs, exhibitions, and public art initiatives. ArtsWestchester serves as a powerful economic and cultural engine for Westchester County. For more information, visit artsw.org.