Suffolk County Deadline For Film And Cultural Arts Grants Is October 19

Suffolk County is offering film and cultural arts grants, and nonprofits have until October 19 to apply.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone this month announced the three grant opportunities for 501(c)(3) organizations: Cultural Arts, Destination Downtown and the Emerging Film Festival grant programs.

“Our cultural diversity not only strengthens our region economically, but it fosters remarkable creativity in industries of artistic vibrancy,” Mr. Bellone said in a statement. “These grant opportunities provide a platform for our communities to showcase their cultural offerings, and I encourage all eligible organizations that are interested to apply.”

Cultural Arts competitive grants are for programs that promote affordable and accessible spectator and participatory arts experiences and cultural events; increase opportunities for professional Suffolk County performing, visual, literary and media artists to engage with the community; encourage presentations of underrepresented artists and arts reflecting ethnic traditions; and increase visitation to downtown locations for arts, heritage and cultural events.

Emerging Film Festival grants are for film exhibition programs that provide opportunities for local, national, and international filmmakers to screen their films and offer the opportunity to promote Suffolk County as a film-friendly region.

Destination Downtown will have two $25,000 awards in support of community arts organizations and collectives that foster cultural participation to build vibrant communities, according to the county.

Applications will be scored via a competitive, merit-based grading system, and funding levels are subject to budget availability and approval by the Suffolk County Legislature, according to the county. In 2018, more than $250,000 was funded. Funding requests for all applications must be at least $5,000.

Workshop information sessions are scheduled for Thursday, September 20, at 10 a.m. at the East End Arts Carriage House in Riverhead, and at 3 p.m. at Walt Whitman Birthplace in Huntington Station, and on Monday, September 24, at 10 a.m. in the media room at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. RSVP to 631-853-4800 or diana.cherryholmes@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Grant applications are available at suffolkartsandfilm.com. For assistance, contact the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning at 631-853-4800.