Syracuse Cultural Festivals Funds Awarded to Twenty-Two Festivals
Published on April 04, 2024
A total of $135,000 in funds have been awarded to 22 festivals that will take place throughout the city of Syracuse. As part of the city’s current budget year, the Syracuse Common Council established the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund to support non-profit community groups in delivering cultural and celebratory events centered on a specific theme that are free for the public to attend, held in public spaces, and provide entertainment and activities for patrons.
Funds were administered through an application process by the Downtown Syracuse Foundation. A review panel with members from the Syracuse Common Council, City of Syracuse, CNY Arts and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation collaborated on decisions regarding funding allocations. Organizations were able to apply for amounts between $3,000 and $10,000 to support their events. Supported festivals were able to demonstrate a track record of growth and a plan for future growth, financial need and the impact of the grant dollars on the event. Considerations were also given to geographic distribution within the city.
“Cultural festivals are a testament to Syracuse’s rich diversity. The many unique festivals and cultural events in Syracuse strengthen our local economy, brighten neighborhoods, and they are an integral part of what makes city living special,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “I thank Common Council and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation for their continued support of the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund.”
“Syracuse is home to tremendous diversity, and it is imperative that we celebrate that. Many of the cultural festivals struggle to raise funds to keep going. The Syracuse Common Council created this fund as a way to show that the City of Syracuse is a partner in the effort to celebrate our diversity. We are home to people from all over the world, they bring their food, language and traditions to us, and Syracuse embraces them. What a beautiful thing that is,” said Jimmy Monto, Syracuse Common Council.
Congratulations to the following awarded festivals:
23rd Annual Westcott Art Trail
Choose Love Day & Peace Festival
CNY Pride Festival
Crawfish Festival
Cuse Culture, The Reunion
Everson Community Days
Festa Italiana 2024
Hanover Music Series
Juneteenth
Latino Fest
Neighborhood Health and Wellness Fair
Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival
Northside Festival
Southwest Showcase Sundays
St. Patrick's Parade
The Syracuse Orchestra Summer in the City
Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival
Syracuse Polish Festival
Syracuse VegFest 2024
The Syracuse Irish Festival
Westcott Cultural Fair
World Refugee Day
The Downtown Syracuse Foundation is 501c3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to conduct research, identify best policies and practices, secure resources, and implement programs and projects to support the revitalization of Downtown Syracuse.