Artists and organizations in New York State will receive a combined total of over $600,000 in grants, thanks to their partnerships with New York Folklore. These funds from the the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) support artists, specific cultural traditions, and organizations through thirty-one successful applications submitted by New York Folklore on behalf of artists and community organizations. This support is made possible by NYSCA with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Artists and organizations supported through New York Folklore were funded in four categories for 2026: Apprenticeship Grants, Support for Artists, Arts Services, and Support for Organizations.These grant funds also include support for New York Folklore and its technical assistance and professional development activities.
In its total investment in arts and culture in New York State, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in FY 2026 to arts and culture nonprofits across all 10 regions and a historic number of artists.
“New York’s arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of the state’s identity, and we’re making bold investments to ensure it remains strong,” Governor Hochul said. “These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts. Congratulations to all the grantees – your talent and dedication help power New York’s future.”
As New York Folklore is a support and service organization, fiscal sponsorship and grant assistance are a large part of the work we do. We at New York Folklore are thrilled to support this cohort of artists and organizations in 2026. New York Folklore looks forward to celebrating with this group in February 2026. Please watch for an event announcement.
Grants were provided in the following categories: Apprenticeships, Individual Artist support, and Organizational Support
Apprenticeships: “Apprenticeship Grants” through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) are one of the foundational tools in the field of folklore and folk arts in New York State. Through this program, “master” artists take on one or more apprentices to pass on their skills and knowledge. Apprentices can be other community members or they can be a member of the master’s own family. Sixteen Master/Apprenticeship pairs were funded in 2026. They are the following (by region):
Capital District Apprenticeships:
Master Ahmad Shah Wali; Apprentice Musdiq Ahmad Shah. Afghan Ghuddi
Master Altin Efthimios Stoja; Apprentice Isabella Kita and Isabella Stoja. Orthodox Iconography
Master Daniel Walayat; Apprentice Pankaj Kishar. Pakistani Music
Master Devesh Chandra; Apprentice Krishna Maddali. Tabla
Master Liying Ye: Apprentice Angelica Cooney. Chinese Peking Opera
Master Luz Ruiz; Apprentice Caleb Lopez Ruiz. Mexican Dance
Master Mathangi Srinivasan Kumar; Apprentice Chinmayi Sri Maddali. Bharatyanam Dance
Master Pinya Aung; Apprentices Myint Moe Aung and Wae Aung. Karen Music
Master Richard Wang; Apprentice Eric Berman. Chinese Calligraphy
Master Sandra Balint; Apprentice Wei Qin. T’ai Chi
Master Scott Hopkins; Apprentice Tom Behan. Banjo
Master Susana Martinez Dominguez; Apprentice Diana Fuentes. Triqui Weaving
Master Veena Chandra; Apprentice Anshu Chandra. Sitar
Master Wenrui Shi; Apprentice Mingtong Xu. Chinese Guqin
Hudson Valley and Central New York Apprenticeships:
Master Isabel Velasco; Apprentice Melanie Rodiquez Velasco. Mexican Cartoneria
Master Ronni-Leigh Goeman; Apprentice Brooke Vandewalker. Haudenosaunee Ash Basketry
“Support for Artists” funds creative commissions to individual artists, this category, which includes folk and traditional arts, has allowed a greater number of artists access to NYSCA funding. Artists for 2026 are pursuing individual artistic creations in literature, or new works of art. Artists receiving support in 2026 are the following:
Capital Region Artists’ Grants:
Aisha Jean-Charles. “Miwa Ginen: Nou se Lwa” “Mirror of Ginen: We are the Spirits”
Anping Liu. Voices in Stone: A Journey of Seals Across Cultures
D’vonne Faulks. “Cultural Wonders of the Melting Pot”
Jordan Taylor Hill. “Echoes of Rhythm: Songs Born of Tradition
Kai Thomas. “Appadocca” (Literature Award)
Lesia Shuldak. “Lemko’s Gorset”
Mohawk Valley; Western New York; Southern Tier Artists’ Grants:
Angelica Palmer. “Sacred Waters”
Clifford Redeye III. “The Artificial Shift”
Linghui Tu. “A Peking Opera Renaissance: Journey of Love & Hope”
New York Folklore is also pleased to fiscally sponsor four community-based organizations/ensembles. They are the following:
Asian Arts NY, Albany
Dance and Music School of India, Latham
Gballoi: Ghanaian Music and Dance, Schenectady
Herencia Cultural Mexicana, Albany
Congratulations to the supported artists and artists and organizations across the state!
If you are an artist or tradition bearer who is interested in learning about these and other opportunities, please contact New York Folklore’s office.
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.