Department of Cultural Affairs

Commissioner Vij and Mayor Mamdani smile beside easels with

Mayor Mamdani Doubles Grants for New York City Artists from $5,000 to $10,000

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the city will increase the size of city-funded grants for individual artists and small nonprofits. Materials for the Arts will also launch a new, dedicated monthly shopping day for artist grantees to access free material. Learn more about this grant opportunity and apply.

A photo of a violinist playing music at the NPF groundbreaking ceremony.

City Breaks Ground on $18 Million Project to Transform Firehouse into New Music Education Center for Noel Pointer Foundation

The historic Degraw firehouse in Brooklyn will be renovated to create a permanent home for the Noel Pointer Foundation to allow the cultural nonprofit to expand its music education programs for youth.

Artist sTo Len has had unlimited access to Materials for the Arts’ warehouse of donated supplies, where he’s collected and remixed outdated media to celebrate the stories embedded within objects. “The Accidental Archive” is on view through January 13, 2026.

MFTA Presents “The Accidental Archive” by sTo Len

The new electric vehicles are part of the city’s commitment to create a more sustainable, energy-efficient fleet and will expand MFTA’s ability to collect and deliver donated materials from donors and members across the city.

The city encourages New Yorkers to explore a list of cultural venues that offer free or suggested admission.

A TV cameraperson interviews Percent for Art director Kendal Henry in a park

News and Press Releases

Read the latest news from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is the largest municipal funder of culture in the country and is committed to providing access to art and culture for all New Yorkers.

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