NEWS: Metroland Awarded Grant For First Friday
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“Free creative expression is the soul of Albany County. While we may be known as the seat of New York’s government, there is a thriving, vibrant, and eclectic artistic community stretching from our urban centers to our suburban communities to rural towns and villages that celebrates all of our diverse communities.”
Days before the late May press conference announcing the stewardship of First Friday, I thought to myself, “maybe this should wait.”
Up until that point, I had been offered help and money that had yet to materialize. I had been paying for it out of my own pocket, hopelessly optimistic that my investment would be returned to me. Feeling like a latchkey kid endlessly waiting on the porch for my dad to pick me up, I struggled with the decision to proceed with this announcement. But the wheels were already in motion.
I let the dreamer in me believe that maybe this very public announcement would in some way manifest what I had hoped: a budget for arts and entertainment in Albany to help restore First Friday to its original intent, give work to artists, bring traffic to small businesses, and give people something fun to do. (THERE’S NEVER ANYTHING TO DO!)
And yet, I was losing hope. As I prepared for June's First Friday, I thought to myself for a second that it might be my last one if some money didn’t come through soon. The phrase “you gotta be latchkey kidding me” kept running through my head, providing comedic levity. Or would it make it a good song lyric?
And then? It happened.
I got the email and I cried. I cried hard. I felt relieved and light and delightfully exhausted.
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, alongside the Albany County Arts and Culture Advisory Council and the Advance Albany County Alliance, awarded $729,161.84 in grants to 28 local arts organizations and individuals. I was invited to a reception at the Albany Institute of History and Art on Friday morning where they announced the recipients of these grants. I looked around the room and was overcome. This funding round supports a diverse array of recipients, including theater companies, art galleries, historic preservation groups, and individual artists. So many incredible people that I’ve met and sought inspiration from in the past month were all receiving awards. It was an incredible day for the arts in our area. To be part of it is a genuine honor.
The Albany County Arts and Culture Advisory Council, which oversees the grant distribution, consists of professionals from various sectors who evaluate applications and recommend funding.
“The arts are an integral part of Albany County’s culture and economy, and we are thrilled to honor these recipients,” said Advance Albany County Alliance Chair Alan Goldberg. “Through the vision of County Executive McCoy, Albany County continues to uplift the diverse voices, talents and stories that make our communities dynamic and culturally rich.”
The event featured performances from award-winning groups like Steamer No. 10 Theatre, Inc. and the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY. The complete list of grant recipients includes notable organizations like Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany Center Galleries, and the NYS Writers Institute, among others.
Notably, this event follows a prior allocation of more than $500,000 to six local entities in December 2024, emphasizing Albany County’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the arts.
“Last year, we launched the Arts and Culture Grant program to strengthen the cultural fabric of Albany County,” says Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “This second round of funding builds on that momentum, as we are backing even more organizations, artists, and programs that are using the arts to educate, inspire, and connect. This is more than just funding; it’s a commitment to making sure the arts continue to thrive in every corner of our community."
Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham added that Albany County boasts a vibrant artistic community that enriches the region. “Free creative expression is the soul of Albany County. While we may be known as the seat of New York’s government, there is a thriving, vibrant, and eclectic artistic community stretching from our urban centers to our suburban communities to rural towns and villages that celebrates all of our diverse communities. We are proud to support artists who make our world a more interesting, entertaining and engaging place.”
We are immensely grateful that the committee saw the value in our program. We started making plans on the spot to get things rolling, notably with our good friends at the Albany Center Gallery (another deserving recipient!) to get some much needed murals in our community. Let the collaboration begin!
Others awarded were:
• Albany County Airport Authority
• Albany County Historical Association
• Albany Food & Wine Festival, Inc.
• Arch Stanton Quartet
• Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY, Inc.
• Capital Region African American Film Festival
• Capital Repertory Theatre
• Carol Durant
• Colonie Senior Service Centers
• Historic Altamont, Inc.
• In Our Own Voices, Inc.
• Jae Gayle
• Lark Hall Productions
• Living Resources
• Madison Theatre
• Mahogany Connections, LLC
• Majestic Tillman
• Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy
• NYS Writers Institute
• Opalka Gallery
• STEAM Garden
• Steamer No. 10 Theatre, Inc.
• The Egg
• The Friends of Pruyn House, Inc.
• Underground Railroad
• Youth FX
An incredible group to be a part of, for sure. Thank you for the chance to make more art in our Capital Region!
For more information about First Friday, go to AlbanyFirstFriday.com!