New York City just put more money in artists’ pockets. The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs has doubled the support available through its Borough Arts Grants — and applications are now rolling out borough by borough, with two deadlines still ahead this fall.
Mayor Zohran K. Mamdani and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo made the announcement on October 2, 2026. The Cultural Development Fund increase means Brooklyn- and Staten Island-based artists are now eligible for up to $10,000 for individual artists and up to $175,000 for organizations. Artists and organizations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens can be awarded up to $7,500 for individuals and up to $45,000 for organizations — double the maximum amounts that were in place just last year.
“Access to arts and culture are core to the human experience,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Through this increase to the Cultural Development Fund, we are doing just that — ensuring that artists and cultural organizations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island find the support they need to make our city more dynamic and alive than ever.”
Commissioner Cumbo added that the agency has long relied on its local partners to help connect with artists in every borough. “With this announcement, we’re not only deepening access in Brooklyn and Staten Island, but we’re also pushing the envelope throughout all five boroughs — investing in communities and encouraging artists to stay in New York.”
Here is how to apply. All applications go through your local arts council, and the deadlines roll borough by borough:
Brooklyn — Brooklyn Arts Council. The deadline was October 11, 2026 — that window has now closed.
Bronx — Bronx Council on the Arts. Deadline: October 30, 2026.
Manhattan — Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Deadline: November 12, 2026.
Queens — New York Foundation for the Arts. Deadline: November 17, 2026.
Staten Island — Staten Island Arts; check their site for the current window.
Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens artists — your windows are still open. If you make art anywhere in this city, this is your sign to apply.
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