UMEZ Celebrates $2 Million Milestone in Support for Artist-Driven Projects in Upper Manhattan

UMEZ Hits $2 Million Milestone Supporting Artist-Driven Projects in Upper Manhattan

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ) is celebrating a milestone of dedicating $2 million to artist-driven projects since 2018 through their UMEZ Arts Engagement Program (UMAE). The program has provided critical support to small non-profit organizations and individual artists in Upper Manhattan.

The program provides grants up to $10,000 to promote engaging arts programs in East Harlem, Central and West Harlem, and Washington Heights and Inwood. Previous grant recipients include the Stories for Change Festival by Yaffa Cultural Arts and Frenzy Fest by Barrio Independent Productions. This year, Marjorie Eliot's 31st Annual Jazz Concert at Morris-Jumel Mansion were awarded grants.

This year 127 artists and organizations submitted applications for project grants and 64 were selected based on their outstanding merit. These projects will provide public art experiences and presentations in 2023, potentially reaching over 500,000 people. The aggregate awards this year totaled $300,000.

“We are proud to fund these incredible projects that enrich our community," said Blair M. Duncan, president and CEO of UMEZ. “This artistry showcases the immense talent in Upper Manhattan and demonstrates the power that art has to connect us."

Starting in July 2023, applicants can apply for the UMEZ Arts Engagement Program for projects that will take place in 2024. The deadline for submitting applications will be in mid-September 2023.

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