Arts education takes many forms, and this year’s honorees reflect that. Working in different disciplines and settings, Drew Burke and Lucy Andrus have each developed thoughtful approaches to engaging learners and creating meaningful connections through the arts. The Arts Educator Spark Award recognizes an arts educator or teaching artist whose work has made a meaningful impact through the design and delivery of arts learning experiences. Drew Burke 2026 Arts Educator Award Winner For nearly two decades, Niagara County native Drew Burke has helped students and community members develop a passion for music and see themselves as part of the arts.…
Author: Arts Services Inc. (ASI)
Arts administrators wear a lot of hats. They manage the details, build relationships, solve problems, raise money, and help turn ideas into actual programs and opportunities. This year’s honorees found thoughtful and creative ways to go beyond their day-to-day roles, from innovative programming and responding to community needs to finding new ways to support their organizations. The Administrator of the Year Spark Award recognizes an arts or cultural administrator whose work in 2025 and/or 2026 made a meaningful impact both within their organization and across the wider community. Emily Ebba Reynolds 2026 Administrator of the Year Winner As co-founder and…
We’re excited to introduce a new version of Chill Sessions this summer, Chill Sessions: Creative Meet-Ups. Over the past year, we’ve heard from local creatives who are looking for more casual ways to connect. More opportunities to meet fellow creatives. More space to talk through ideas, ask questions, share works-in-progress, or simply spend time around people who understand… So, we’re trying something a little different! This summer, ASI’s Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Gaitrie Subryan, will host casual morning meet-ups at local coffee shops. There’s no formal agenda and no pressure. You can come to network, co-work, workshop a new idea, or…
The City of Buffalo is asking for your input. A new community survey is now open, giving residents across Western New York the opportunity to share their experiences with arts and culture in Buffalo. Whether you’re an artist, arts professional, volunteer, audience member, or someone who simply enjoys the arts, your perspective can help shape the future of our city’s creative community. The survey is part of the work of the CREATE Task Force (Cultivating Resources for Entertainment, Arts, Tourism and Expression). Appointed by Mayor Sean Ryan in May 2026, the task force brings together artists, nonprofit leaders, educators, arts administrators, and…
It’s our favorite time of year — we finally get to announce the artists, organizations, and communities selected to receive funding through this year’s NYSCA Statewide Community Regrant (SCR) Program. ASI’s Statewide Community Regrants program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. ASI’s SCR program provides support in three grant categories: Community Arts, Arts Education, and Individual Artist. The program is designed to foster local arts activity and strengthen community access to the arts. These funds are distributed by ASI based on the recommendations of four…
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is offering FY2027 “Support for Artists” grants, providing $10,000 in direct support to individual artists for the creation and development of new work across a wide range of disciplines. Artists must apply through a fiscal sponsor, and Arts Services Inc. (ASI) is available to support applicants through the process. As a fiscal sponsor, ASI submits applications to NYSCA on behalf of artists, provides administrative oversight, and handles required grant reporting for funded projects. An administrative fee of 5% is deducted from the total award. If your application is not funded, there…
Arts Services Inc. (ASI), on behalf of former Assemblymember Monica Wallace and the East Lovejoy Coalition of Neighbors Block Club, Inc. (ELCON), invites experienced mural artists to submit proposals for a large-scale public mural at the Lovejoy Pool in Buffalo’s historic Lovejoy neighborhood. The Lovejoy Pool (circa 1947) is located at 1171 E. Lovejoy St., Buffalo, NY 14206. The facility, originally a 1940s Art Moderne theater, features an indoor pool, lap swimming, and swimming lessons. The Lovejoy Pool Iron Island Mural Project will transform the east-facing exterior wall of the pool building into a vibrant public artwork celebrating the neighborhood’s rich railroad…
Arts Services Inc. (ASI) is excited to introduce the 8 participants selected for the 2026 MEDAL (Molding Executives and Directors into Arts Leaders) Program. This year’s MEDALists represent a range of organizations, disciplines, and communities across Western New York, all with a shared commitment to strengthening the arts in our region. We’re looking forward to getting to know each of these leaders, learning more about their work, and supporting them over the next six months. Just as important, MEDAL is about connection and creating space for this group to build relationships, learn from one another, and grow as a cohort.…
Chill Sessions are relaxed, welcoming gatherings for artists and arts professionals to connect, reflect, and build community. Each session offers space for meaningful conversation, creative exploration, and connection in a low-pressure, supportive environment — plus a sweet social to keep things cozy. For this session, join us for Art, Resilience, & Environmental Narrative with Chantal Calato for an intimate behind-the-scenes look at her creative practice and the personal journey that has shaped her work. Known for her environmental sculptures and installations, Calato’s art explores themes of ecology, connection, and the unseen forces that shape our world. In this Chill Sessions event, Calato…
Arts Services Inc. (ASI), on behalf of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, along with Buffalo Waterfront, invites artists, muralists, and creatives from Western New York to apply for the Canalside Mural Fest, a two-day live painting event taking place at Buffalo’s premiere waterfront destination. This temporary mural festival will transform Canalside into a vibrant “living gallery,” celebrating New York State’s role in the Revolutionary Era and its evolution over the past 250 years. Selected artists will create original murals on-site during the festival, engaging the public while bringing history to life through contemporary visual storytelling. Artists will be assigned one of…