GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

The New York State Council on the Arts

You’ve probably heard of the New York State Council on the Arts – they’re a biggie. They are THE state arts council for New York. The whole state. But what is extraordinary is that as big of an institution as they are, their wonderful staff make me feel like we’re their only grantee. Whether it is an email from Robert Zukerman, a timely phone call from Susan Jonas, or a luxuriously long and inspiring meeting with Brenda Brown, they just seem to “get” us and understand what it is we’re trying to accomplish.

In 2007 we were so thrilled that FringeCENTRAL ended up only a few short blocks from NYSCA's office. So we got to see them! Brenda stopped by on her way into work on a couple of occasions and Susan came over for some suggestions about what shows to see. But what I love the most is that they had the opportunity to see what they've been such an important part of helping us accomplish.

The Department of Cultural Affairs / City of New York

Y'all, guess what happened?

In 2007, The Present Company was awarded funding in the amount of $35,000 / year for two years in support of The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC).

Here's how it went down. Firstly, the Department of Cultural Affairs (led by Commissioner Kate D. Levin) and the Mayor, and the City Council got together and decided to completely overhaul the way funding is awarded in New York City. They battled through what must have been many late nights, mounds of paperwork, endless meetings, strategy sessions...Ugh, I'm tired just thinking about it! But they did it!

Then, the DCA held an event to announce the changes and answer questions about how it would all work, and what the new parameters and deadlines would be.

Then, Kathleen Hughes and her team did a gazillion informational sessions on how to apply. I know, because we went to two of them! She not only went step by step through the process, but she answered every question in detail and then stayed after to answer even more questions.

Then, we began to work on our application. We'd found Bonnie and Yi-Chen, graduate students at NYU who were so helpful during the process - pulling together facts, figures, photos, and making sure that after the first month I was still writing in English!

Then, we applied. I went to the post office on 33rd Street much later than I'd intended and kind of bonded with everyone else in line...99% of whom were there to get a postmark on their DCA application. It really gave me an even greater appreciation for our FringeNYC applicants!

Then, the DCA held a LOTS of panels. Now...I know from adjudication panels. We do quite a few of these ourselves. But the DCA blows us away and their dedication to their process, albeit arduous, is extraordinary.

Then, we waited. We moved toward FringeNYC 2007. We moved into FringeCENTRAL! And just as the festival was about to begin, Alexa stopped by our administrative office to pick up our mail and she walked over to my desk and said "We received something from the DCA".

We both paused. And I said "It's a big envelope. It must be good news, right?". And then I opened it and read it and to be honest, had a bit of a cry. And then a bit of a "Sally Fields at the Oscars" impersonation. Then we all did our "dance of joy". Then when I'd composed myself, I called the DCA to tell them thanks, and tell them that we were opening the following day and we'd love to have them join us!

But it turns out I hadn't quite composed myself and I kind of blubbered into our program rep Amanda Miller's voicemail (though she graciously assured me later that she didn't mind).

Since becoming a DCA funded organization, I've been amazed at how their able to make us feel like a part of a community. They're always forwarding opportunities and reaching out to us.

To me, it feels like the festival started by those crazy kids on the Lower East Side all of those years ago has a seal of approval from the City of New York, and we couldn't be more proud.



State Senator Tom Duane
Finally, we want to thank Senator Tom Duane, who awarded us a grant of $1,000 in support of the festival through the State's budget. He is so kind to think of us, and we so appreciate his generosity - we'll make you proud, Senator Duane!