Robert Baron, Senior Program Officer, (212) 627-4884
Brenda Brown, Program Officer, (212) 741-7977

Special Arts Services helps to ensure the quality, viability, and productivity of artists and institutions within communities of color and other specific cultures. It celebrates the artistic pluralism of the state by supporting professional arts activities within and serving African/Caribbean, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American/Indian communities, as well as activities within and for other distinct ethnic communities. It is committed to sustaining and strengthening the diverse aesthetics and cultural expressions grounded in the traditions of New York State's ethnic communities. The arts and artists of our ethnic communities exemplify the array of aesthetic excellence that is a hallmark of New York State.

Special Arts Services also welcomes requests from organizations serving the disabled community by offering professionally-directed training in an arts discipline with the goal of more advanced study or career entry.

Special Arts Services supports both established and emerging community-based organizations that demonstrate potential for artistic growth. It welcomes projects from new immigrant communities around the state. In addition, it encourages collaborations and innovative projects. It supports both multi-disciplinary activities and programming in a specific discipline of performing arts, visual arts, media, and multi-arts organizations.

Organizations applying to Special Arts Services should have appropriate representation at the staff and board level reflecting the communities served. Organizations whose projects are directed toward general audiences or organizations in which artists do not represent those communities previously mentioned are not eligible for support and should consult the guidelines of other areas of support.

First-time applicants are strongly advised to consult with staff well before the registration deadline. This consultation provides a valuable interaction between staff and applicant which will help guide you in developing your NYSCA application.

Artistic Evaluation and Prerequisites for New and Returning Applicants

NYSCA 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 staff of public programs or events well in advance of the event date. This is required so that staff, advisory panelists, or auditors may attend and evaluate the events. Email notification is welcome at sas@nysca.org.

All new and returning applicants must inform the Council of their events on an ongoing basis. Notification must be given in writing at least four weeks in advance. Please include name of the event, date/time, location, contact person, phone, email, etc. It is recommended that you follow up by email or phone to make sure that your request has been received.

Evaluative Criteria

Grant requests are evaluated in accordance with agency-wide criteria.