Syracuse cultural-festival funding awarded to 22 events

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A total of 22 festivals held in the city of Syracuse will benefit from a total of $135,000 in grant-funding awards.

As part of the city’s current budget year, the Syracuse Common Council established the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund to support nonprofit community groups in delivering cultural and celebratory events centered on a specific theme. The events are available to the public at no charge, held in public spaces, and provide entertainment and activities for patrons.

The funding awards were administered through an application process by the Downtown Syracuse Foundation, per its Thursday announcement. A review panel with members from the Syracuse Common Council, City of Syracuse, CNY Arts, and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation collaborated on decisions regarding funding allocations.

The nonprofit Downtown Syracuse Foundation seeks to “conduct research, identify best policies and practices, secure resources, and implement programs and projects to support the revitalization of downtown Syracuse,” per the announcement.

Organizations were able to apply for funding amounts between $3,000 and $10,000 to support their events. Supported festivals were able to demonstrate a track record of growth and a plan for future growth, financial need, and the impact of the grant dollars on the event.

“Cultural festivals are a testament to Syracuse’s rich diversity. The many unique festivals and cultural events in Syracuse strengthen our local economy, brighten neighborhoods, and they are an integral part of what makes city living special,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in the announcement. “I thank Common Council and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation for their continued support of the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund.”

“Syracuse is home to tremendous diversity, and it is imperative that we celebrate that. Many of the cultural festivals struggle to raise funds to keep going. The Syracuse Common Council created this fund as a way to show that the City of Syracuse is a partner in the effort to celebrate our diversity,” Syracuse Common Councilor Jimmy Monto said in the announcement. “We are home to people from all over the world, they bring their food, language and traditions to us, and Syracuse embraces them. What a beautiful thing that is.”

The following 22 festivals were awarded funding: