Local Arts Support
Designed with nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships in mind, Local Arts Support helps develop high-quality local arts projects and programs that focus on community engagement.
About this Grant
Funded by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Local Arts Support funding is for nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships developing high-quality local arts projects and programs that focus on community engagement. The best proposals identify their community, demonstrate engagement with that community, and thoughtfully describe anticipated outcomes.
In 2025, Local Arts Support distributed $265,000 to 63 projects across the borough.
GRANTEE HIGHLIGHTS
It Takes A Village: Youth Empowerment Arts Symposium. Photo by Morris Media, 2024.
Persephone DaCosta
Local Arts Support | 2025
It Takes a Village is a community-based program offering monthly cultural dance classes and discussion sessions to reconnect youth with elders, mentors, and each other. Relaunching in June 2025 at the Italian American Civil Rights League’s Canarsie location, the project focuses on families in Canarsie, East Flatbush, and Brownsville.
The program culminates this October with the Youth Arts Symposium—a free public event that brings together families, artists, and community leaders to celebrate youth expression and collective care. In a time when social disconnection and digital influence are replacing face-to-face guidance, this program offers a space for youth to be seen and supported.
Coney Island Poetry Wall. Photo by Amanda Deutch, 2023.
Parachute Literary Arts
Local Arts Support | 2024
The Coney Island Poetry Map, presented by Parachute Literary Arts, is a free poetry installation featuring original poems displayed throughout Coney Island's residential and amusement areas for the general public. This year's Poetry Map features poems by local children and teenagers, showing Coney Island through the eyes of its youth.
Agua Vida y Tierra presented by WWTNS. Photo: Paris Marcel.
What Will the Neighbors Say?
Local Arts Support | 2023
What Will the Neighbors Say? is an investigative theatre company that provokes questions through untold stories. Led by a collaborative cohort of international artists, the Neighbors present overlooked social, cultural and historical narratives that challenge the audience to reflect on the current moment. Through a combination of original plays, arts education workshops and dynamic community gatherings, the troupe incites rowdy and rigorous debate at the theatre and throughout the Neighborhood.
Apply Now
Our 2025 Grants Cycle is now closed.
Please review these application guidelines thoroughly before beginning your application to make sure you are eligible. Submit online, via Submittable, by clicking the link below.
GUIDELINES
The guidelines below apply to Brooklyn Arts Fund and Local Arts Support programs. Refer to each specific grant opportunity for funding priorities and additional restrictions.
Info Sessions
Join us for a Info Session where we’ll give you tips on how to write a successful proposal. We highly recommend that you attend.
BECOME A GRANT PANELISt
2025 Panelist Nominations are now closed.
Want to become involved with Brooklyn Arts Council's grantmaking efforts? We welcome you to become a panelist for our upcoming cycle of grant applications.
QUESTIONS?
Is your question missing from our F.A.Q. page? Contact our grants department at
GRANTS@BROOKLYNARTSCOUNCIL.ORG.