December 2024

CLAYTON, NY (November 21, 2024) – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the
Handweaving Museum (Arts Center) is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $40,000
Support for Organizations grant award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).
For FY2025, NYSCA has awarded over 2,000 grants totaling $62 million to support individual
artists and nonprofit organizations. The Arts Center is one of the 1,497 organizations across
New York State chosen for this award.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the grants in a release issued earlier this week. “As the
unparalleled leader of arts and culture, New York’s creativity and innovation inspires the world,”
Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investment in our dynamic creative sector will further
boost tourism, strengthen our local economies and continue New York’s success as a rich and
vibrant place to live, work and visit.” The Arts Center will use the monies to support general
operating expenses.

Sarah Riddoch, Executive Director, said, “We are extremely grateful to have received this award
from the New York State Council on the Arts. This funding allows us to continue to offer classes
and scholarships, showcase multiple and diverse exhibits, and build awareness for the
museum’s unique collection dedicated to handwoven textiles produced in the United States.”
Executive Director of NYSCA Erika Mallin said, “The continued support from the Governor and
Legislature is a testament to their dedication to the importance of our sector, which is critical to
the health of our communities and economy. On behalf of the Council, we congratulate and
thank all the grantees. Their work will continue to ensure our state’s influence as the artistic
capital of the world.”

About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth
of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the
arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $162 million in FY 2025. The
Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the
field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational
resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of
Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is
part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov,
and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram
@NYSCouncilontheArts.