Artpark receives cultural endowment funding

Part of Niagara County Legislature support for Arts & Culture Coalition of Niagara County

Niagara County 2^nd District Legislator Michael Casale presented Artpark & Company President Dave Wedekindt with a check for $81,880 on Monday outside of the Lewiston performing and visual arts venue.

Funding comes from the county’s portion of Western Region Off-Track Betting Corp. funds.

At the Niagara County Legislature’s March 24 session, legislators unanimously voted to approve a resolution in support of organizations in Niagara County through the use of cultural endowment funding.

The measure stated, “Whereas, cultural endowment funds help support numerous organizations across Niagara County that are important to local communities; and whereas, the various organizations and groups throughout Niagara County help with cultural enrichment programs for our community and citizens of all ages; and whereas, these organizations attract visitors from all over Western New York and from around the world, creating a significant economic impact in our communities; now, therefore, be it resolved that the Niagara County Legislature authorized the allocation of funding in the amount of $295,000 for the Cultural Endowment Fund through the 2026 budget process; and be it further resolved that Niagara County supports the organizations listed below by appropriating $295,000 from said Cultural Endowment Fund as follows:

•Artpark & Company, Lewiston: $81,880; annual visitation (five-year average): 125,000

•Niagara Aquarium Foundation (d/b/a Aquarium of Niagara), Niagara Falls: $62,170; annual visitation: 190,000

•Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown: $23,452; annual visitation: 200,000

•Kenan Center, Lockport: $24,910; annual visitation: 15,000

•Castellani Art Museum, Niagara University: $8,548; annual visitation: 21,000

•Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, Niagara Falls: $9,115; annual visitation: 23,000

•Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission, Niagara Falls: $11,491; annual visitation: 15,000

•Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier (d/b/a Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum), North Tonawanda: $7,792; annual visitation: 17,500

•The West Herr Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda: $48,994; annual visitation: not provided

•Historic Palace Theatre, Lockport: $16,648; annual visitation: not provided

Artpark

Artpark in Lewiston opened in 1974. Championed by New York State Sen. Earl W.
Brydges, it is unique in the U.S. for combining a 150-acre state park and performing arts center.

It was envisioned as a space to enjoy live theatrical performances, concerts, dance, and the creation of visual, performance, and other experimental art in a scenic, accessible and family-oriented setting. The nonprofit organization Artpark & Company operates the public programming at the park under a cooperative agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. It just signed a new, 20-year agreement. 

Artpark & Company is committed to investing at least $2 million in capital improvements to the state park over the life of the new cooperative agreement.

Last summer, Artpark & Company welcomed over 85,000 people to a wide variety of concerts, performing and visual arts events, festivals, art classes for children and adults.

Artpark & Company has nine full-time year-round employees; 200-plus seasonal workers; and about 80 community volunteers.

Artpark is a critical anchor for local businesses, tourism and regional identity. In terms of economic and community impact, Artpark & Company generates approximately $13 million in annual economic impact for Lewiston, Niagara County and Western New York.

Casale said, "Artpark is one of a number of organizations in the Arts & Culture Coalition of Niagara County that offer cultural enrichment programs for citizens of all ages while attracting visitors from all over Western New York and around the world and creating a significant economic impact for Lewiston, Niagara County and the region.”

Wedekindt said, "Artpark greatly appreciates the continued support of the Niagara County Legislature in making this funding possible, which helps to continue our programming for the community. And through the collaborative work with our partner arts and cultural organizations in Niagara County, we are all demonstrating that we not only make a significant economic impact, but also add to the quality of life for county residents."

Arts & Culture Coalition

The Arts & Culture Coalition of Niagara County formed in the fall of 2022 to address the need for support for the arts and cultural community. It strives to emphasize the economic, educational and community significance of its constituents.

Representatives from the Arts & Culture Coalition of Niagara County include the Aquarium of Niagara, Artpark & Company, Castellani Art Museum, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, Historic Palace Theatre, Kenan Center, Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Old Fort Niagara and West Herr Riviera Theatre.

Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $260 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of participating municipalities.