Description
Arts Mid-Hudson was established in 1964 as the Dutchess County Arts Council, a private, nonprofit arts service organization to promote cultural activity and development in Dutchess County. Over 20 years ago, Arts Mid-Hudson began administering New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) funding in Dutchess and Ulster Counties, and in 2006 was invited to administer Ulster County Cultural Services and Promotion Fund. In 2014 the region expanded to include Orange County NYSCA fund administration. Arts Mid-Hudson engages and promotes the arts across the Mid-Hudson region through four initiatives: Cultural Development and Arts Services, Resource Development and Grant Making, Advocacy and Public Awareness, and Folk Arts Programs, providing best practices in the arts to ensure that our region retains its artists and arts organizations. Through our art partners, a diverse offering of arts and cultural programs, many free, attract a range of age groups, and are produced across a broad geographic area.
Resource Development & Grant Making:
Through partnerships with Dutchess and Ulster Counties, and the New York State Council on the Arts, AMH redistributes local and state government funds, contributing arts and cultural enrichment, dollars and jobs to our region. During 2013, $155,617 was distributed to 67 organizations, schools, libraries, artist and community groups to produce arts and cultural programming. AMH provides the infrastructure of a professional staff that leads this work, creating a positive economic impact that ensures arts and culture continues to thrive.
Advocacy and Public Awareness:
AMH’s work advocates for increased arts visitors to our region through branding of local arts and cultural events and by providing support for local marketing initiatives. Art Along the Hudson is an example of a partnership that Arts Mid-Hudson proudly participates with combined marketing, involving over 400 artists in 10 cities. During 2014, Arts Mid-Hudson launched a gallery space that presents a number of changing exhibits during the year. November and December brings the "Handmade" show, which allows local artists and artisans to bring their work for shopping local during the holiday season. Other events include literary readings, performances, workshops, professional development for artists, and other ways to shine the light on the regions arts.
Folk Arts Programs capture cultural tourists, featuring Dutchess County artists and performers from diverse cultures. The annual "One River Many Streams" folk arts festival brings 1,300 visitors to Beacon and the Guelaguetza Dance Festival held during the summer in Waryas Park, brings over 3,000 visitors to the area, both local and from out of state.
