Lowey Announces $100,000 for Two Local Nonprofit Arts Organizations

Press Release

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that the $45 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) nationwide she helped secure in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be awarded to 855 organizations, two of which are in New York's 17th Congressional District. Grantees in New York's 17th Congressional District, each receiving a grant award of $50,000, are Copland House in Peekskill and Jacob Burns Film Center, Inc. in Pleasantville.

The Jacob Burns Film Center will use the grant to sustain two staff positions essential to generating revenue which has been lost during the pandemic. The federal funding will also help Copland House retain employees and continue community engagement efforts.

"The coronavirus epidemic has affected nearly every part of our nation's economy, and this includes the world of arts and culture, which employs more than 5 million workers across the country," said Congresswoman Lowey. "Keeping staff on and organizations afloat during this time of uncertainty has not been easy, and I'm so glad that these local groups will receive this grant funding. Art is a powerful mechanism for both children and adults to express their creativity and innovation, and it has the power to spark dialogue in our communities and affect social change. The funds granted from the CARES Act grants will support everyday operations, help sustain essential programs, prevent closures due to revenue loss, and ultimately boost the American economy."

"We are honored and grateful to the NEA for awarding this generous grant to support jobs and essential operations," said Janet Benton, Acting Executive Director at the Jacob Burns Film Center. We are so appreciative of Congresswoman Lowey's longstanding support, especially with The CARES Act funds which will help us preserve our vital and vibrant programs and offset the loss of earned income from the COVID closure."

"In addition to helping Copland House retain key institutional jobs, our emergency CARES Act funding through the National Endowment for the Arts will support our vigorous efforts during this uncertain time to connect with our various communities, from young people through senior citizens who look to our programs that enlighten, inspire, and energize," said Michael Boriskin, Artistic and Executive Director of Copland House. "This funding provides a tangible bridge to the future, and we are so grateful for this essential assistance during these unpredictable months."

Congresswoman Lowey has been stalwart in her support of the NEA and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and served on the prestigious National Council for the Arts. As the Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey continues her work to support vital investments in the NEA and NEH. Each agency would receive $170 million, an increase of $7.75 million above the 2020 enacted levels, in the approved Interior-Environment Funding Bill for Fiscal Year 2021. The bill is expected to be considered by the full Appropriations Committee in the coming days.

For more information on these grants, please view the NEA announcement linked here.

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