Artists and organizations in New York State will receive a combined total of $225,000 in grants thanks to assistance from New York Folklore. These funds come from 21 successful applications submitted to the New York State Council on the Arts – more than triple the number of sponsored applications by New York Folklore in 2022. The support is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Artists and organizations were funded in three categories this year: Apprenticeship Grants, Support for Artists, and Support for Organizations.
“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 a member of their own family. “Support for Artists” funds creative commissions to individual artists, this relatively new category has allowed a greater number of artists access to NYSCA funding.
As a support and service organization, fiscal sponsorship and grant assistance are a large part of the work we do at New York Folklore. We are thrilled to support this cohort of artists and organizations in 2023. If you are an artist or tradition bearer who is interested in learning about these and other opportunities, please contact our office.
New York Folklore looks forward to celebrating with this group in 2023.
Congratulations to the supported artists and artists and organizations across the state!
New York Folklore Supported Applications
Apprenticeships
Devesh Chandra, Master; Saurav Bavdekar, Apprentice. Indian Classical Music
Efthimios (Altin) Stoja and Jorida Laraku, Apprentice. Greek Iconography
Tashi Sharzur, Master; Tenzin Norbu, Apprentice. Tibetan Traditional Music.
Veena Chandra, Master; Vibhava Ranade and Anshu Chandra, Apprentices. Indian Classical Music
Zorkie Nelson, master artist; Elizabeth Fo Fo Niiquaye and Patience Lamptey, Apprentices
Belgess Enayatullah, Master; Aqsa Ahmad Shah and Abida Sa, Apprentices. Kochi Dress Making
Support for Organizations
Guyana Cultural Association of New York
West Hill Refugee Welcome Center
Support for Artists
Aurelius John, Pakistani Music: Bansuri, Dholak, Dhol and Tabla
Daniel Walayat, Pakistani Music: Vocal
Devesh Chandra, Indian Classical Music
Dvonne Faulks, African American Hairbraiding
Latifa Ali Muhammad: Afghan Embroidery
Ehsue Aung: Karen Dance
Pamela Badila: African Folktales & Stories
Pinya Aung: Karen Tenaku Harp
Shaman Raphael: Pakistani Music: Ghazal and Harmonium
Veena Chandra: Indian Classical Music Sitar
Zelda Hotaling: Native American Healing Arts
Zorkie Nelson: Ghanaian musician
Quill Harrison: Solo exhibition and public mural