Funding for Artists

For the first time in nearly two decades, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Diya Vij have announced that the city is increasing the size of city-funded grants for artists, from a previous maximum of $5,000 to up to $10,000.

Each year, DCLA provides funding to local re-grant partners in each borough, who in turn distribute these funds to artists, collectives, and small nonprofits across the city. This increase in grant awards is part of the Mamdani Administration’s commitment to supporting the artists who live and work in New York City, and contribute to neighborhood life in all five boroughs as well as the city’s status as a center of culture and creativity.

As part of this broader effort to support working artists, starting in October 2026, DCLA’s Materials for the Arts program will launch a new, dedicated shopping day for artist grantees of the arts councils on the second Monday of each month, except for holidays. The monthly shopping for artists who have received local arts council support will provide them with additional support of their creative practice and engagement with New Yorkers. Artist grantees should book their appointments through their local arts council.

Applications for four of the five boroughs are currently open (Staten Island’s grant cycle will open in November), so artists across the city are encouraged to apply:

Bronx

Bronx Council on the Arts (Deadline: October 30, 2026)  
Bronx Council on the Arts nurtures the development of a diverse array of artists and arts organizations and helps build strong cultural connections in the Bronx.

To apply for funding, click here. For current BCA grantees interested in booking an MFTA appointment, email tracey@bronxarts.org. 

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Arts Council (Deadline: October 11, 2026) 
Brooklyn Arts Council offers service and support to Brooklyn artists and arts organizations, including re-grant funding.

To apply for funding, click here. For current BAC grantees interested in booking an MFTA appointment, email grants@brooklynartscouncil.org. 

Manhattan

Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (Deadline: November 12, 2026) 
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council supports Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused organizations across the borough in projects that are integral to the cultural vibrancy and arts-driven resiliency of Manhattan.

To apply for funding, click here. For current 2026 Manhattan Arts Grants recipients receiving DCLA funding who are interested in accessing MFTA shopping appointments, visit https://lmcc.website/MFTA for more information.

Queens

New York Foundation for the Arts (Deadline: November 17, 2026) 
The New York Foundation for the Arts currently administers the Queens Arts Fund, providing grants to artists and arts organizations within Queens.

To apply for funding, click here. For current Queens Arts Fund grantees interested in booking an MFTA appointment, email apply@nyfa.org. 

Staten Island

Staten Island Arts (Applications open November 2026) 
Staten Island Arts provides funding to artists, collectives, and nonprofit organizations creating original work, producing cultural programming, and fostering arts education on Staten Island. 

To learn more about Staten Island Arts' grants, click here. For current Staten Island grantees interested in booking an MFTA appointment, email Gena Mimozo (Deputy Director & Grants Administrator) at gmimozo@statenislandarts.org.