state of the arts fellowship

Announced by Governor Hochul in June 2025, the NYS State of the Arts Fellowship will bring artists and state government together to foster community connection, enhance public spaces, and amplify vital public service initiatives.

Program Overview:

NYSCA will place one (1) artist fellow at each of three (3) host agencies to address important solve-for questions at the core each agency’s public service mission:

• Office of Victim Services (OVS): working with underserved populations to reduce barriers to accessing services under the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act. (Brooklyn or Albany)
• Office of General Services (OGS): revitalizing the Empire State Plaza through creative, community focused programming. (Albany)
• Office of Mental Health (OMH): destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting access to OMH services. (Locations TBD, Upstate New York area and at least one facility in the NYC area)

Through a collaborative process, fellows will work closely with state agencies to address pressing issues and implement projects that leave a lasting impact on communities across New York. Fellows will be chosen by the host agency and NYSCA.

Timeline:

• Fellowship Start Date: September 3rd, 2025.
• Research Phase: September 2025- February 2026
• Implementation Phase: March 2026 – August 2026
• End Date: August 31st, 2026