The Riverdale Children’s Theatre was awarded $40,000 by the New York State Council on the Arts 

Bronx, NY – The Riverdale Children’s Theatre nnounced today a grant award totaling $40,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $82 million this year to 509 artists and 1,497 organizations across the state. 

“As the unparalleled leader of arts and culture, New York’s creativity and innovation inspires the world,”Governor Hochul said.“Our continued investment in our dynamic creative sector will further boost tourism, strengthen our local economies and continue New York’s success as a rich and vibrant place to live, work and visit.”

Executive Director of NYSCA Erika Mallin said, “On behalf of the Council and staff, I am so proud that we are supporting the critical work of so many nonprofit organizations all across the state, including work of The Riverdale Children’s Theatre. New York State’s art and culture nonprofits make us a global leader, strengthening our connections to each other and the larger world. I thank you for your dedication and service and look forward to all your work in the coming year.” 

Founder and Executive Director Derek Woods was overjoyed at what the funding meant for his organization as they start for their 15th year serving kids in the Bronx, Yonkers and beyond. “This funding is vital to help us continue our mission to a give kids and families the opportunity to learn about and experience the magic of live theatre. On behalf of the many families we serve, Thank You to Governor Hochul and the NYS Council on the Arts for helping us continue to make this possible”

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.

Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visitarts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.