Arts & Culture

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NYC's Baruch College Opens Democracy History Exhibit

Baruch College is offering visitors a look at New York City's government history through an archival exhibition examining the career of Luther Halsey Gulick III. A public administration pioneer who became the city's first City Administrator, Gulick also advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt and established the Institute of Public Administration. The exhibition, titled An Adventure in Democracy, draws from historical materials preserved by Baruch College Archives. It is displayed on the third floor of the William and Anita Newman Library in Manhattan. The exhibit will remain available through the end of 2026 and into spring 2027 for visitors with library access.

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Hochul Announces $14M for Brooklyn Cultural Projects

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $14 million in New York State funding for infrastructure and expansion projects at three Brooklyn cultural institutions. The investments include $7 million for the Brooklyn Children's Museum to develop its Earth Science Garden and upgrade museum infrastructure, $5 million for the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN) to expand its production facilities at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and $2 million for repairs to the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Peter Jay Sharp Building. The funding, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, is intended to expand educational programming, support workforce development and preserve cultural facilities serving Brooklyn communities. The projects will be implemented by the respective institutions.

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NYC's 14th Street Y Gets $15M for Renovations

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $10 million in funding for renovations at the Sol Goldman YM-YWHA 14th Street Y in Downtown Manhattan, bringing combined state support to $15 million with an additional $5 million secured by State Senator Brian Kavanagh. The funding will support a planned $52.3 million, phased renovation of the community center, which is operated by Educational Alliance and serves New Yorkers through early childhood education, fitness, aquatics, arts and cultural programs, Jewish community activities and older adult services. Planned improvements include modernization of the gym, pool, classrooms and theater, along with new event spaces, entrances and accessibility upgrades. UJA-Federation of New York is also partnering with the organization on the renovation project.

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James Gray Film Series Comes to Queens Museum

Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, will present James Gray's New York, a seven-film series running November 7–22, 2026, celebrating the city's cinematic history through films selected by the Queens-born director. The program includes Gray's The Immigrant and a special November 12 preview of his new crime drama Paper Tiger, followed by an in-person appearance by the filmmaker. Other selections include Midnight Cowboy, Force of Evil, Raging Bull, The French Connection and Side Street. The series explores New York's neighborhoods, immigrant experiences, crime and cultural identity through films spanning several decades. Screenings will take place at the museum in Astoria, with advance tickets and program information available at movingimage.org.

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Lincoln Center Announces 2027 Winter Dance Festival

Lincoln Center is bringing contemporary dance into the winter season with a festival showcasing New York City-based choreographers and companies. Beginning January 6, 2027, the Lincoln Center Contemporary Dance Festival will feature performances at Alice Tully Hall, including a world premiere, two New York premieres and newly commissioned works. Participating artists include Heidi Latsky, Hannah Garner, Omar Román de Jesús, Shamel Pitts and Netta Yerushalmy, alongside performances celebrating Juilliard Dance's 75th anniversary. The festival is part of Lincoln Center's expanding commitment to contemporary dance through the Pasculano Collaborative. All events are free or offered through Choose-What-You-Pay pricing, making the performances accessible to audiences across New York City.

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LaGuardia Community College Gets $4M for Arts Upgrades

LaGuardia Community College has received $4 million in New York City capital funding to renovate and modernize its arts and media facilities in Queens. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and City Council Member Julie Won each allocated $2 million toward the project, which is expected to leverage matching New York State funding and generate approximately $8 million in total investment. Planned improvements include upgrades to theaters, television production facilities, student learning spaces, production labs and dressing rooms. The project will also modernize lighting, electrical, communications, HVAC and other building systems while improving accessibility. The investment will support students studying theater, film and television, and music performance while strengthening the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center as a cultural destination in western Queens.

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NYC Begins $17.8M Brooklyn Music School Renovation

New York City has started a $17.8 million renovation of a historic Cobble Hill firehouse that will become the first permanent home of the Noel Pointer Foundation. The 6,000-square-foot building at 299 DeGraw Street, originally constructed in 1857, will be transformed into a modern music education facility with soundproofed lesson rooms, a recording studio, music library, gallery, ensemble space and courtyard. The foundation provides music education and performance opportunities to young people across the five boroughs and currently serves more than 2,000 children annually. Its new Brooklyn headquarters will support expanded after-school, weekend and summer programs while restoring significant elements of the former Engine Company 204 firehouse. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2028.

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ComicConnect Heads to NY Comic Con Oct. 8-11

ComicConnect and Metropolis Collectibles will bring rare comics, original comic book art and high-end collectibles to New York Comic Con, Oct. 8-11 at the Javits Center in Manhattan.

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NYC Artists Can Now Apply for Grants Up to $10,000

New York City is doubling the maximum amount available through city-funded grants for individual artists and small nonprofits, increasing awards from $5,000 to as much as $10,000 for the first time in nearly two decades. The Department of Cultural Affairs provides the funding through local partners in each borough, supporting filmmakers, musicians, dancers, writers, painters and other creative professionals. Applications are currently open in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens, while Staten Island's application cycle will begin in November. The city is also expanding support through Materials for the Arts, giving current artist grantees dedicated opportunities to obtain free supplies. Eligibility requirements and application deadlines vary by borough.