WHITE PLAINS, NY — ArtsWestchester is calling upon county residents to take the Challenge – the Art$WChallenge.
In announcing the effort to leverage new private dollars to support the cultural life of the county, County Executive Robert P. Astorino, Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz and ArtsWestchester President Froma Benerofe are urging private donors to make their dollars count for double by contributing to eligible organizations during the period from September 15 through December 15. The $180,000 in funds will be matched by ArtsWestchester for up to $5,000 per organization on a competitive first-come basis.
“This public-private partnership has proven to be successful in raising $1.9 million in private dollars to support the arts over the program’s seven years,” County Executive Robert P. Astorino said. “Government alone cannot support all of the worthwhile needs of this county. In partnering with ArtsWestchester, we are harnessing our resources to build greater support for our cultural assets and in turn for our economy.”
“The arts are an important economic engine for the county, bringing an economic impact of $156 million in annual spending and 4,800 jobs to Westchester,” said Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, D-Somers. “This is precisely why it’s important that we make every effort to support the cultural sector in ways that stimulate new resources.”
The program is simple and direct: Supporters of qualified arts organizations donate funds, which then may be matched through the Art$WChallenge program. Only “new” dollars will be matched (recurring donations or grants are not eligible) and the funds are unrestricted. While organizations aren’t limited in what they can raise through donations, the match is capped at $5,000.
Last year, 41 not-for-profit organizations participated in the program, including: Hudson Stage Company, Jazz Forum Arts, the Neuberger Museum, Tarrytown Music Hall, The Picture House, Youth Theater Interactions and Westchester Philharmonic, among others. Lynn Honeysett, Executive Director of the Pelham Arts Center explains, “The Art$WChallenge program has allowed us to more effectively reach underserved communities – at-risk teens, seniors and people challenged by physical and mental disabilities, particularly young people.”
A recent report from Westchester County showed that visitor spending, which to a great extent includes cultural and artistic venues and attractions, grew by 14 percent to more than $200 million over five years and that it supported 23,681 jobs in Westchester, or roughly 6 percent of all jobs in the county. At the same time, tourism generated $207.7 million in revenue for the county and local municipalities, further showing that such investment in the arts, events and cultural offerings provide significant returns and are vital to the regional economy.
“The Art$WChallenge is a proven and effective way to support some of Westchester’s leading cultural organizations that contribute to the vibrant quality of life in Westchester County,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “In the seven years of the challenge grant program, arts organizations have raised more than $1,877,000 with ArtsWestchester providing an additional $1.1M in matching funds. The total $2.9M investment in the arts is a win-win for county residents, arts groups and the economy. We are extremely pleased to continue this valuable partnership with Westchester County.”