The 2025 Grants for Arts Programs (GAP) provide funding for professional-quality public arts events in Tompkins County, including performances in theater, music, and dance, as well as visual art exhibitions, literary events, and artistic films. These grants are part of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrant (SCR) program, which aims to make exceptional arts programming accessible to diverse populations and support the growth of local cultural resources.

Eligible applicants include Tompkins County nonprofit organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and individual artists or groups working through a nonprofit fiscal sponsor based in the county. Organizations applying directly to NYSCA in the same year are ineligible. Projects must be open and accessible to the public and demonstrate a clear community need, with a preference for those reaching diverse cultures and underserved populations within Tompkins County.

Applicants can request up to $5,000, which is also the maximum award for entities applying across multiple NYSCA SCR programs, including the GAP, Arts Education, and Artist in Community Grants. Funds can be used for specific project expenses, such as artist fees, marketing, promotional activities, space rental, and technical assistance. All funded projects must actively engage and promote access to the broader community.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are due by Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Required materials include a completed application form and a budget document, both of which are available for download. If technical issues arise, applicants can use Google Docs or contact programs@artspartner.org for assistance. Final reports documenting the use of funds are due 30 days after project completion or no later than December 15, 2025.

The GAP Grant supports projects that enrich the artistic and cultural fabric of Tompkins County, with a particular focus on inclusivity and community impact. Applicants are encouraged to review examples of past grant recipients for inspiration and to craft proposals that address unmet community needs. For additional guidance or to access grant materials, applicants can visit the Community Arts Partnership website or contact their team directly.