The Kofago Institute is proud to announce that we have been awarded $25,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support our ongoing work in arts education, cultural preservation, and community engagement. This award is part of NYSCA’s monumental $80.9 million investment in New York’s arts and culture sector for FY 2026—one of the largest allocations in the agency’s history.
This state-wide investment affirms what we know to be true: the arts are essential to the identity and wellbeing of communities across New York. NYSCA’s continued commitment ensures that organizations like ours can keep creating spaces for cultural expression, nurturing young artists, expanding access to the arts, and uplifting diasporic communities across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized this vision, stating that New York is making “bold investments to ensure [the arts sector] remains strong,” noting that these grants fuel local economies while expanding creative access. NYSCA leadership echoed this sentiment—celebrating the resilience, creativity, and community impact of grantees such as the Kofago Institute.
We are honored to be recognized among the 2026 grantees and extend our gratitude to Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin, Chair Patrick Willingham, and the Council members and panelists who help make this work possible.
What This Means for Our Community
This support strengthens Kofago’s mission to preserve, uplift, and celebrate the cultural traditions of the African Diaspora through dance, education, and community programming. With this funding, we can deepen our impact, broaden access for students and families, and continue building a world where art, heritage, and community pride intersect.
About NYSCA
Since 1960, the New York State Council on the Arts has led the state’s efforts to foster artistic excellence, champion cultural equity, and support arts organizations across all 10 regions of New York. The Council’s 2026 grants will provide more than $161 million to artists and nonprofits statewide.