Decentralization Program Awards
On Sunday, March 11, nineteen artists, writers, performers and sponsoring organizations received Delaware County Community Arts Funding grants totaling nearly $26,000. Money for these awards came from The New York State Council of the Arts' Decentralization Program, administered in Delaware County by The Roxbury Arts Group. The Decentralization Program plays a crucial role in bringing arts programming to Delaware County residents who would otherwise not have an opportunity to experience such a wide range of theater, music, visual arts, literary arts, children's programming, crafts and dance. The amounts of the individual grants ranged from $650 to $2,500.
The Decentralization Regrant Program was developed by the New York State
Council on the Arts (NYSCA) in 1977 in response to the New York State Legislative
mandate that there be greater local involvement in funding decisions affecting
local non-profit organizations that offer artistic or cultural services and
programs. The purpose of the Decentralization Program is to foster the continued
development of local artistic and cultural resources responsive to the needs
of each community. The Roxbury Arts Group administers the program locally
as The Community Arts Funding Program for Delaware County. Funds are regranted
annually to qualified Delaware County groups and artists through a grant
application and peer panel review process. 
Local decision- making continues to be a key factor in the success and growth of the Program. The Decentralization Program is intended to expand, upgrade, and increase quality and innovative arts and cultural programming on the local & rural levels. The Decentralization Program helps to ensure access to arts and culture to all the citizens in all New York State counties, especially to areas that are geographically isolated, economically disadvantaged or ethnically diverse.
On hand to distribute the awards and congratulate the recipients were Tina Mole, representing State Senator John Bonacic and Richard Decker representing State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch. The recipients were introduced by Ann Epner, The Community Arts Funding Coordinator for Delaware County.