TAKE ACTION, FIND NEW OPPORTUNITIES, AND STAY CONNECTED WITH THE LI ARTS COMMUNITY.

What’s Inside This Month

 Advocacy Roundup — Budget wins, threats, and two key actions you can take

 Spotlight On — NYSED wants your input: help shape arts education in NY

 Member Access — Request your free custom impact report

 Opportunities & Grants — New opportunities for NYSCA grantees

 If You Read One Thing — Research confirms: art gives life meaning

Advocacy works!

The arts sector had been requesting $200 million for NYSCA this year — and both the Senate and Assembly came back with proposals for $208 million in their One-House Bills!

Their proposals include:

• $8 million for NYSCA operations

• Over $100 million in aid to localities

• $100 million in capital funding (some distributed by legislative resolution)

They didn’t just match the ask — they increased it.

This is a sign that lawmakers are listening and taking our needs seriously. Now we need to keep the pressure on to make sure this full amount stays in the final enacted budget.

Already, 5,980 advocacy letters have been submitted through ArtsNYS campaigns state-wide. This collective effort is working—let’s keep the momentum going.

► Read more updates.

What Are One-House Bills?

Each year, the NY State Senate and Assembly release their own versions of the state budget, called “one-house bills.” These are not final but act as formal wish lists and negotiating tools during talks with the Governor.

They reflect the funding priorities of each chamber and are critical in shaping the final state budget.

Your Two Action Items TODAY

NEW YORK STATE:

REPORT YOUR FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS

WHERE: New York State

WHAT: Report federal funding cuts to support the full $208 million ask for NYSCA in the final state budget.

HOW: Email Senator José Serrano at serrano@nysenate.gov or call

518-426-6886.

Include:

• Amount of federal funding lost
• Year(s) affected
• Federal program/agency
• Impact on services

Then, share the same info with your Assembly Member, Senator, and Congress Member.

 ACT NOW

NEW YORK STATE:

URGE ASSEMBLY ON A6490

WHO: Arts Education Advocates

WHERE: New York State

WHAT: Build support for Assembly Bill A6490 to guarantee access to arts education in every public school.

HOW:

Check to see if your Assemblymember is a co-sponsor (see below)

If not, call their Albany office and say:

“Will you co-sponsor A6490 to protect arts education in New York State?”

If they’ve already signed on, ask them to contact Assembly Member Benedetto and push to move the bill forward.

Long Island Co-Sponsors as of Now:

Nassau County: Edward Ra (AD-19), Dave McDonough (AD-14)

Suffolk County: Joe DeStefano (AD-3), Philip Ramos (AD-6), Keith Brown (AD-12), Tommy Schiavoni (AD-1)

 ACT NOW

Help Shape Arts Education in NY

Deadline to Reply is May 15

NYSED is looking for input on what it takes to truly embed the arts into school culture.

They’re asking:

• How do schools integrate the arts throughout the day?
• How do they sustain this work beyond short-term grants?
• How do we measure success—both in outcomes and in partnerships?

They’re also seeking real examples of school-community partnerships and insight into what’s working, what’s missing, and what would help the work grow.

What This Could Lead To

Your responses can lay the foundation for:

• Policy recommendations and future mandates
• Targeted funding and staffing models (like arts coordinator roles)
• Actionable tools like planning templates, PD strategies, and pilot programs

This is about moving arts education from enrichment to expectation.

What’s at Stake

Without Long Island’s voices, our region’s needs and innovations may be left out.

• Decisions about funding and strategy will be shaped by the responses NYSED receives.
• Equity in representation—rural, suburban, under-resourced communities—depends on broad participation.

This is a chance to spotlight Long Island’s leadership and influence future supports statewide.

Your Voice Matters

This isn’t just a listening exercise. NYSED is actively building new tools and guidance based on the input they receive. Your ideas today will help shape:

• A statewide guidance document
• Professional development resources
• Long-term sustainability frameworks

Tips for Responding

• Be specific: Share real stories from your district, school, or partnership.
• Be honest: NYSED wants to hear what’s working—and what’s not.
• Collaborate: Submit a joint response with your community partners.

NEED TO RENEW?

CLICK BELOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS:

LIAA is launching a new effort to support internship placements in the arts and culture sector by partnering with local universities. Our goal is to help organizations connect with students who are eager to gain real-world experience.

By working closely with both our members and regional colleges, we can help create strong matches—where students can grow, and organizations benefit from fresh ideas and energy.

If you’re planning to host an intern this spring, summer, or fall, fill out our quick form to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll take it from there.

NYSCA Funding Opportunities

To be eligible for either of the following opportunities, your organization must have received NYSCA funding within the last three years.

Open Funding Opportunities:

Study finds looking at art can boost well-being

nbcrightnow.com | 04/22/25

If you’re not a member but believe in the work we’re doing to support and strengthen Long Island’s arts and culture sector, please consider making a contribution.

Your support helps fuel our advocacy, programs, and communications like this one.

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