ALBANY, N.Y. — Senator Patricia Fahy announced today that she secured a $35,000 operating funds grant for the Albany Center Gallery, to be used to support youth art programming. For more than forty-five years, Albany Center Gallery has provided a platform for contemporary art, encouraged dialogue and commentary on visual arts, and served the art community in the Capital Region.

Albany Center Gallery’s support comes from membership, fundraising events, art sale commissions, and individual, corporate, and government support. Their mission to promote and exhibit art produced by emerging talent in the region has consistently engaged and inspired residents in Albany. Among Albany Center Gallery’s youth programming that this funding will help support is the successful LOOK! Youth Art Series.

LOOK! is a year-round workshop series for youth interested in the arts with organizations and young creative professionals of the Capital Region. Through collaboration with local artist mentors and their personal creative voices, the youth produce artwork of a myriad of mediums and varieties. Each youth has the opportunity to come up with their own concept and together, we help make their visions come to life. Each year the program grows to meet the art needs of the community. To learn more about the LOOK! Youth Art Series, members of the public can visit: https://albanycentergallery.org/youthart

“At a time when federal support for the arts continues to be cut or threatened, it’s more important than ever that New York step up to fill that gap,” said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “The Albany Center Gallery has been a cornerstone of creativity and community for nearly five decades, giving local artists, and especially young people, a space to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others. The arts aren’t a luxury; they’re part of what makes our communities thrive and what keeps our downtowns vibrant. I’m proud to have secured this funding to ensure that Albany Center Gallery can continue its vital work supporting the next generation of artists and strengthening the Capital Region’s creative spirit.”

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