CNY Ballet Awarded $259,000 Capital Improvement Grant by the New York State Council on the Arts to Create a Permanent Home in Syracuse’s GereBlock Building Grant Matching Funds are Being Provided by GereBlock To Make CNYB an Anchor of the Hub for Creativity on Syracuse’s West Side
Central New York Ballet is one of only two arts organizations in Onondaga County to win a capital improvement grant from NYSCA. The grant represents over a quarter of a million dollar investment in the new company, and significantly enhances its ability to continue bringing high quality, professional dance, and arts outreach programs to Syracuse and Central New York. The grant to CNYB is part of a total capital investment by NYSCA of over $32 million to 102 projects across New York State.
“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.”
The award will support the restoration and conversion of approximately 5,000 square feet of raw warehouse space in the former GereBlock factory into state-of-the-art dance studios, a black box theater for performances and workshops, reception and office areas, dressing rooms, and ADA accessible bathrooms. The grant is a major endorsement of CNYB, as it kicks off its drive to raise $140,000 for sets and costumes, additions to its roster of professional dancers, and fresh choreography for its inaugural Nutcracker production in December.
“We are thrilled that NYSCA is investing in the long-term vision for CNYB, so that we can better serve Central New York and be part of building a more vibrant arts community in Syracuse and throughout the region,” said Cara Connolly, Founding Company Dancer at CNYB.
GereBlock is a creative, mixed-use redevelopment project that is transforming the historic factory, which dates to 1874, into a hub for education, arts, and healthy living.
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