Collar Works announced today a grant award totaling $960,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s renovation of a historic foundry into a multi-arts center in Troy, NY This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $32 million to 102 capital projects across New York State. 

The renovation of the historic Neemes Foundry at 206 1st Street into a hub for innovation and creativity will take Collar Works’ mission to the next level, meeting the demands of the artist community and investing in the neighborhood of South Troy. Collar Works will become an economic development engine with its investment in this location, strengthening its ability to support artists, enabling long-term sustainable growth, and serving as a community anchor.

 “The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the state and spur economic development for decades to come,” Governor Hochul said. “From historic sites to new multi-use arts centers, these diverse projects will expand the accessibility and the sustainability of arts and culture organizations while growing local economies, driving tourism and creating jobs all across New York State.” New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the Legislature for their support. These projects are essential to the prosperity and well-being of our creative industry and our communities, especially as we continue to navigate the recovery of our creative sector. This support will help stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations for now and for the future. Congratulations to Collar Works, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”

About the New York State Council on the Arts: 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. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $127 million in FY 2024, serving over 2,000 arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. 

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 www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.