Silver Lake, NY - Silver Lake Institute announced today a grant totaling $98,000.00 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization's Epworth Hall Restoration Project. This grant is part of a capital project announcement by NYSCA , which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across New York State.

This project will progress the renovation of Epworth Hall to serve as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community engagement. These funds will be used to replace 95% of the plumbing and bathroom fixtures in Epworth Hall, as well as add another accessible bathroom and a new kitchenette on the main floor. Special thanks to Alydia Smart for her terrific letter of support! She writes: "I am an aspiring artist and love to do arts and crafts. With new bathrooms we will be able to offer classes and host community events of all artistic kinds. Oh, and the music, I love music...we [could have] way more opportunities for community music events!" Read her full letter here.

“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects improve

communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s dedication to arts and culture, we are building a thriving future for our world renowned creative sector. Congratulations to Silver Lake Institute, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”

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 over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state 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 Kathy 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 visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.