06/03/2026
It’s curtains for the Uptown— in a good way! Uptown Theater for Creative Arts was awarded $66,500 by the New York State Council on the Arts to install professional stage curtains!
This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA (), which totals over $82 million to 132 arts and culture facilities across New York State.
UTCA has secured grant funding to install a Theater Drapery System, marking a critical milestone in turning the historic auditorium into an active performance venue. Currently an open structural shell, the stage will receive new rigging, tracking, and custom drapery. This versatile setup will allow for professional lighting, acoustic control, and stage masking. The project also includes a house partition curtain to isolate the lower audience area from the upper auditorium.
“New York’s powerful arts and culture sector is a formidable asset,” Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investments in museums, theaters and art centers generate incredible returns — sparking innovation, boosting local economies, driving visitors and making us the global epicenter of arts and culture.”
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said,“We know that when the arts flourish, communities follow — bringing energy, creating jobs, expanding accessibility, and increasing tourism. This grant program is a critical investment in our creative sector, empowering our creative community and inspiring innovation. Congratulations to all the grantees, we look forward to seeing these diverse projects develop all throughout the state.”
