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Dear Friends,

We’re pleased to share an important update regarding grant funding for artists across New York City.

Earlier today, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Diya Vij announced an increase to the maximum grant funding available to artists through their regranting partners, including the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA).

As a longtime regranting partner of DCLA, BCA has supported Bronx artists through programs such as our Community Engagement Grants (CEGs) and the Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Awards. With this adjustment, eligible artists may now receive grants of up to $10,000, an increase from the previous $5,000 maximum. This marks the first increase to our city-funded grants to artists and organizations in nearly 20 years.

In addition, beginning in October, current BCA grantees will have access to a dedicated monthly shopping day at Materials for the Arts (MFTA), taking place on the second Monday of each month. Artists will be able to obtain free supplies and materials to support their creative practices and projects. More information about participation will be shared as details are finalized.

At BCA, we continue to advocate for increased funding and resources that enable Bronx artists to create, connect, and thrive. We thank Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Vij for acting swiftly to expand support for working artists.

We recognize that changes to grant funding may raise questions about eligibility, application timelines, and what this means for current and future grantees. To help clarify what we know so far, we've included answers to some anticipated questions below.

If you have a question that isn't addressed below, please reply to this email. We welcome the opportunity to provide clarification as more information becomes available.



Warmly,

Jesús López-Jensen

Executive Director

Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA)

What is changing?

For the first time in more than two decades, DCLA is increasing the maximum grant award available through its borough arts council regrant partners. Eligible artists may now receive grants of up to $10,000, an increase from the previous $5,000 maximum.

What does it mean that BCA is a regranting partner of DCLA?

As a regranting partner of DCLA, BCA receives city funding that we distribute directly to eligible Bronx artists, collectives, and organizations through CEGs and BRIO. This partnership allows BCA to connect public funding with the artists and creative communities we serve throughout the Bronx.

Does this mean every grant recipient will receive $10,000?

No. The $10,000 figure represents the maximum available award, not a guaranteed grant amount. Award amounts will continue to depend on program guidelines, eligibility, application review, and available funding.

Does this change apply to both CEGs and BRIO?

Specific award amounts and requirements will be communicated through each program's guidelines.

When will the new funding amount take effect?

The increased grant cap is being implemented as part of DCLA's current grant funding cycle. BCA's CEGs are open through October 30, 2026 and BRIO will open this fall.

What is the MFTA opportunity?

The MFTA program will offer a dedicated shopping day for arts council grantees on the second Monday of each month. Participating artists will be able to access free materials and supplies to support their creative practices and projects.

Who is eligible for the MFTA shopping day?

The opportunity is intended for artists who are currently receiving support through the city's borough arts councils. Additional information about registration, eligibility, and participation will be shared as details are finalized.

Where can I find BCA's current grant opportunities?

Visit BCA's Grants page to learn more.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts; the NYC Council through the Coalition of Theaters of Color (CTC) Initiative; NYC Council Member Eric Dinowitz; and NYS Assemblymember Michael Benedetto. Also supported in part by the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Scherman Foundation, the Altman Foundation, the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The New York Community Trust, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the Tiger Baron Foundation, Amazon, BronxCare Health System, and Webster Bank.

BCA is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.