The Chenango Arts Council offers grant opportunities for artists, non-profit organizations and teachers for cultural activities that support and enrich the artistic quality of life in our communities and schools. This is accomplished by funding projects that creatively reflect the unique qualities, resources and needs of the commnuities we serve.

In 2012, $121,026 was allocated into Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties.

For 2013, the Council will again offer grants through the Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization (DEC) Program*, including a tier of Arts Education (AE) grants in addition to Community Arts (CA) grants, or "traditional/classic" DEC grants.

History of the Decentralization Program:

The New York State Council on the Arts established the Decentralization Program (DEC) in 1977 to foster the continued development of local cultural resources responsive to community needs. DEC serves all of New York State’s 62 counties, including areas that are geographically isolated, economically disadvantaged and ethnically diverse. The basic principle of DEC re-grant funding is local decision-making using a peer panel grant evaluation process. The DEC Program operates annually and panel nominations are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Broome, Chenango & Otsego DEC Program serves as a catalyst for local cultural development exposing children, adults and seniors to events that enrich and enhance their lives. Funding provided through these programs helps to strengthen our communities by reaching the most rural of our townships and villages, providing increased access to a greater quality of life.

Since 1986, the Chenango County Council of the Arts has administered the DEC Program in Chenango County, which acts as the sole source of direct support available for arts initiatives in the county. In 2003, the Council began administering the DEC Program in Broome County, and in 2011, Otsego County.

The Council also offers a Grants For Teachers Program** which is designed to meet the artistic needs of classroom teachers without a lot of "red tape".

Please review the Grant Program links for more information.

*The Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization (DEC) Program is administered by the Chenango Arts Council, and is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature.

**The Grants For Teachers Program is made possible by Friends of the Arts Council and Community Bank.