2024 is coming to a close, and we’re taking a moment to celebrate a year filled with creativity and achievement for Arts Services Inc. and WNY’s incredible creative community. Your support, collaboration, and participation have made it all possible—thank you for inspiring everything we do!

Let’s look back at some of the highlights and accomplishments from 2024 that made this year so special, and get excited for what’s on the horizon in 2025. Here’s to another year of creativity and connection ahead!

GRANT FUNDING

At ASI, one of our core values is providing financial support and resources to the arts and culture sector. This year, we distributed $789,500 in awards—an increase of $239,500 from 2023—to 113 organizations and individuals. Funding highlights included:

These grants brought projects to life, from festivals and exhibitions to workshops and residencies, fueling the vibrant creativity that makes our community thrive. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we’re excited to share a glimpse of what’s in store for 2025. Here’s to another inspiring year ahead!”

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP

In 2024, our fiscal sponsorship program supported 49 individual artists and collectives, enabling them to receive tax-deductible donations and grants without the need to establish their own 501(c)(3) status. Through this program, we helped artists access valuable opportunities and resources for their creative projects while also providing administrative and financial guidance. Additionally, we connected them with our network of partners and collaborators, empowering their work and strengthening our creative community.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We believe that professional development and capacity building are vital for the growth and sustainability of Western New York’s arts and culture sector. That’s why, in 2024, we provided 35 professional development opportunities to 783 participants, including programs such as;

  • Creative Professionals Exchange – a one-day conference of interactive, motivating, and discussion-filled sessions led by WNY arts leaders.
  • From the Ground Up – An ongoing series of both virtual and in-person opportunities that we offer on a monthly basis, covering various topics relevant to the creative community.
  • MEDAL Executive Leadership Training – A six-month training program that supported 10 emerging arts and culture leaders in Western New York.
  • Springboard Fellowship – A fellowship program that connects individuals who were interested in pursuing a career in the arts and culture sector to small nonprofits that needed additional staff support.
  • Chill Sessions – A unique and welcoming gathering designed for artists and arts professionals to connect, share, and inspire. Did we mention it includes ice cream?

PUBLIC ART PROJECTS

Public art is a powerful way to enhance the quality of life and the sense of place in our communities. This past year, we made 3 public art calls to assist in transforming various spaces throughout Western New York, adding color, beauty, and meaning to our environment. Here are some of the public art projects we were involved in:

  • JFK Playground – An outdoor, public mural depicting the people, places, and food that make Blasdell a uniquely wonderful place to live.
  • Hart of Buffalo – With the goal of extending a warm-welcome to the Elmwood Village, this outdoor, public mural is slated for completion in Spring 2025.

  • Isaías González-Soto Library – An interior mural intended to encapsulate Buffalo’s West Side community including historical references and contributions. Scheduled installation in early 2025.

ARTS ACCESS

We are committed to making the arts and culture accessible and affordable for everyone in Western New York. That’s why we run the Arts Access program, which provides free or low-cost tickets to cultural events and venues for low-income individuals and families. In 2024, we had over 3,000 Arts Access passholders – doubling the number of passholders from 2023.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025

As we turn the page to 2024, I am thrilled to share a glimpse of what lies ahead:

  • Expanded Outreach – We’re reaching new corners of our community, ensuring that art is accessible to all. Expect more workshops, public art installations, and collaborative projects that break down barriers.
  • Innovative Programs – Brace yourselves for fresh, boundary-pushing programs.
  • Unprecedented Advocacy Efforts – You can expect to see us in your neighborhood, spreading the word on the impact of your work!
  • Community Engagement – Let’s continue to build bridges. We’ll host community meetings, professional development, artist networking events, and dialogues that foster connections and spark ideas.