Shake on the Lake, Arts Council for Wyoming County Receives Grant Awards
On Dec. 13, 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $45 million in grant awards through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). Grants administered by NYSCA this year will provide critical aid to bolster nonprofit arts and culture organizations and artists as they embark on a dynamic multi-year recovery process.
In June 2021, NYSCA rolled out a reimagined grantmaking process to increase access to state funds through expanded eligibility that embraced a vast range of artmaking in New York State, and led to a nearly 40 percent increase in applications for FY (Fiscal Year) 2022 to date. Following a streamlined application process, the agency will continue to support those severely impacted by the ongoing effects of COVID-19 through flexible funding accommodations.
“The arts have long been a critical sector in our economy, and as we continue to rebuild a stronger New York, it’s essential we do all we can to help this industry thrive once again,” Hochul said. “These awardees represent the best of what New York’s vibrant communities have to offer and with this funding in hand, they will be able to not only continue their creative and inspiring work, but help spur revitalization in their own backyard as well.”
Shake on the Lake of Wyoming County received grant awards that total $129,000, and those funds will support the recovery of the nonprofit arts and culture sector.
In addition to this FY2022 year funding, Shake on the Lake also received two Restart NY: Rapid Live Performance Grants for their summer 2021 season, which included the Storefront Theatre Festival and their musical Shakespeare revue, Songs and Sweet Airs.
Shake on the Lake is a dynamic professional theater company based in rural Western New York, specializing in serving rural communities and underserved populations in the Silver Lake region by bringing high-quality professional theater productions and innovative arts education programming to the community.
The awarded funds include a Support for Organizations grant (two years, $49,500 a year) and a Recovery Grant ($10,000), which will further their mission to use theater and the performing arts to inspire and re-imagine community through performance, education, and creative placemaking.
Additional grants received include an Individual Artist Grant ($10,000) to sponsor Vinny Mraz’s Untitled Dairy Farmer Project, and an Individual Artist Grant via the Arts Council for Wyoming County ($10,000) for Josh Rice for Kayfabe, an absurdist autobiographical puppet show inspired by Roland Barthes, Samuel Beckett, and professional wrestling.
“NYSCA applauds Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their responsive investment of $105 million for the nonprofit arts and culture sector. 2022 will continue to bring change and Shake on the Lake will play a vital role in the renewal of our state’s economy and creative ecosystem,” said Mara Manus, executive director, NYSCA. “On behalf of the entire NYSCA Team, we wish to extend our sincere congratulations on your award.”
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