ASSEMBLYMEMBER RIVERA AND SENATOR RYAN WELCOME NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO BUFFALO
Trip highlighted local NYSCA investments in the arts, including a roundtable discussion on the future of local arts organizations and visits to Buffalo’s most iconic cultural sites
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera
BUFFALO, NY – Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera and Senator Sean Ryan recently welcomed Erika Mallin, the newly appointed Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), for a tour of Buffalo and its robust arts culture.
Mallin, appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul in January, has been traveling across the state to connect with local arts communities, with prior stops in New York City, Albany, and the Hudson Valley.
During her visit to Buffalo, Mallin participated in a roundtable discussion at the Burchfield Penney Arts Center with local arts organizations, gaining valuable insights into the vibrant and diverse arts scene in the region while discussing strategic partnerships between large and small organizations. Assemblymember Rivera and Senator Ryan accompanied her to some of Buffalo's most iconic cultural landmarks and creative enterprises, including the AKG Art Museum, Shea's Buffalo, Assembly House 150, and the new home of Stitch Buffalo.
“Executive Director Mallin’s visit to Buffalo arrives at a time in which Buffalo’s arts sector is entering a new era of activity and prosperity,” said Assemblymember Rivera. “With world-class institutions like the AKG Art Museum and a burgeoning waterfront, our city is primed for a new wave of tourism opportunities. Executive Director Mallin’s leadership and vision will be instrumental in supporting and advancing the arts across New York State, as well as Buffalo’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic arts community.”
Her visit to Buffalo follows an announcement in June by Assemblymember Rivera and Senator Ryan of a $1.37 million investment in local art and theatre institutions from the fiscal year 2024-2025 state budget.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center received a state investment this year of $1,197,700 under the “Alive Downtowns!” initiative. Formed in response to the impact of COVID-19 on performing arts centers, Alive Downtowns! is a coalition of 13 celebrated theaters across New York with an average age of nearly 100 years who will receive a combined $5 million investment in the New York State budget.
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) received a total grantmaking budget of $162 million. Locally, NYSCA capital improvement grants were awarded to:
Alleyway Theatre: $50,000
Buffalo Arts Studio: $50,000
Torn Space Theatre: $60,000
The New York State Council on the arts supports more than 1,600 organizations statewide within the visual, literary, media and performing arts and includes dedicated support for arts education and underserved communities.