Elizabeth Merena, Director (212) 741-5222
Christine Leahy, Associate (212) 741-7404
Kara Yeargans, Associate (212) 741-2221

The Visual Arts Program offers support to a wide range of contemporary art activity for the benefit of the public and the advancement of the field. The Program considers living artists to be of primary importance to the visual arts field and directs the majority of its funding to organizations that engage visual artists directly in their program decisions. Supported activities may include exhibitions, installations, workspace facilities, publications, and critical writing.

The goals of the Visual Arts Program are to

Assist New York State artists in their efforts to create and exhibit new work.

Interpret the work of contemporary visual artists to the public.

Encourage dialogue and critical commentary about the visual arts.

Individual visual artists are not directly funded through this Program. Information on artist fellowships is available at the New York Foundation for the Arts. Support for individual artists is also available from the New York State Artists Workspace Consortium.

Applicant organizations are encouraged to seek out high-quality contemporary work that expands traditional parameters and reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural profile of the state. Projects that take risks or emphasize process over product are encouraged.

First-time applicants are strongly advised to consult with program staff well in advance of the March registration deadline.

Eligibility Criteria

Direct payment of fees to artists is required for all activities that include artists.

New York based artists must be included in the ongoing programming.

Organizations cannot require or request artists to pay a fee for participation in projects funded by this Program.

Commissions on sales of art in projects funded by this Program cannot exceed 25% of the sale price.

Projects and exhibitions featuring membership, board members, staff, faculty, or enrolled students are not eligible.

Evaluative Criteria

Grant requests in this Program are evaluated in accordance with the relevant agency-wide criteria. The program encourages professional curatorial practice; it is not recommended that staff or guest curators include their own work in proposed exhibitions.

Artistic Evaluation

The Council must be able to evaluate an applicant's artistic quality on an ongoing basis. It is the responsibility of all current and prospective applicants to inform the Program of exhibitions and other public programs at least four weeks in advance of the event date. This is required so that staff, advisory panelists, or program auditors may attend and evaluate the events.