NEWS: Senator Fahy Announces Grant for Metroland Now
Senator Patricia Fahy (D–Albany) announced that this Saturday, September 12, during PearlPalooza, she will award Metroland Now a $25,000 grant secured through her office.
Metroland Now is not only a local publication serving as a beacon for arts and entertainment promotion, but also a nonprofit organization. In just two years of operation, it has helped revive important and popular community events such as First Friday and Art on Lark. The organization has also expanded its focus beyond arts and entertainment to include small businesses and fellow nonprofits.
“My original idea, before it evolved into bringing back this publication, was to create an operation that helped nonprofits with their press and marketing. Many of these organizations don’t have the budget for it, or they aren’t able to prioritize it because of other high operating costs,” said Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Erin Harkes.
“Metroland is downtown Albany’s premier entertainment publication and showcases our Capital city like none other,” said Senator Fahy. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to secure this grant and support Metroland’s mission to revive and rejuvenate downtown Albany, which couldn’t have come at a better time as we invest $200M downtown in Championing Albany’s Potential funding. I want to thank and commend Erin Harkes for her personal hard work and dedication to reviving Metroland and for her commitment to seeing downtown Albany succeed and thrive. Take it from Metroland — and come downtown!”
Harkes spent nearly three decades performing in the Capital Region and was often asked to perform at nonprofit benefits. Over time, she noticed that some events were more successful than others, and she became eager to help in ways that went beyond performing.
“Having been my own agent, manager, and publicist for this long, I have built a strong foothold in the community and amassed resources that I was happy to use on behalf of organizations in need,” said Harkes.
One of the ongoing events stewarded by Metroland Now is First Friday, which was nearly lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the event changed hands several times, members of the local arts community asked Harkes to step in. Given the event’s arts focus and Metroland Now’s nonprofit status, it was a natural fit. Harkes also received the blessing of First Friday’s founders, Michael Weidrich and Jeff Mirel. Weidrich and Mirel launched First Friday in September 2006, and this month marks the 20th anniversary of the monthly event, celebrated with its largest lineup yet. More than 30 venues and 40 artists will participate throughout the city, including downtown on Broadway and Pearl Street, along parts of Lark Street, Delaware Avenue, and beyond.
The timing of Senator Fahy’s generous grant is especially meaningful as Metroland Now continues building momentum around First Friday and its related activities.
As always, the full list of events is updated regularly as the date approaches and additional participants are confirmed. A complete list and map can be found at albanyfirstfriday.com.