Alive Downtowns Thanks New York State Legislature for $5 Million Investment in Upstate New York’s Historic Performing Arts Centers

Coalition Grateful for Critical State Support, Will Continue Advocating for Full $8 Million Investment Next Year

ALBANY, N.Y. — Alive Downtowns today thanked the New York State Legislature for approving $5 million in this year’s State Budget to support thirteen historic performing arts centers located in downtown communities across Upstate New York.

The investment recognizes what communities across the state already know: historic theaters are far more than entertainment venues. They are economic engines that drive tourism, support local restaurants and businesses, create jobs, preserve treasured landmarks, provide arts education, and serve as anchors for thriving downtowns.

Alive Downtowns extends its sincere appreciation to Assembly Majority Whip Harry Bronson, Senator Jeremy Cooney, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, and Senator Patricia Fahy for their leadership and steadfast advocacy in securing this important investment. Their commitment to New York’s arts and cultural sector helped ensure the needs of Upstate’s historic theaters remained a priority throughout the budget process.

“New York’s historic performing arts centers are among the strongest economic and cultural assets in our downtowns, and we’re incredibly grateful that the Legislature recognizes their value,” said Philip Morris, CEO, Proctors Collaborative. “This investment will help preserve these landmark venues while supporting the millions of visitors, students, artists, local businesses, and communities that depend on them. We sincerely thank the Legislature for its leadership and partnership, and we’re proud to continue working together to strengthen downtowns across Upstate New York.”

Alive Downtowns had requested $8 million in recurring operating support during this year’s budget process. While the coalition will continue advocating for that funding level in next year’s budget, members are grateful for the Legislature’s meaningful investment and view it as another important step toward long-term sustainability for New York’s historic theaters.

Collectively, Alive Downtowns’ member organizations serve more than five million people annually, maintain facilities averaging nearly a century in age, generate more than $350 million in annual economic impact, and operate with combined budgets exceeding $100 million. Their impact extends well beyond the stage, supporting hospitality, retail, education, tourism, and downtown revitalization throughout Upstate New York.

Alive Downtowns members include:

• Bardavon 1896 Opera House — Poughkeepsie
• Clemens Center — Elmira
• Palace Performing Arts Center — Albany
• Proctors Collaborative — Schenectady, Albany & Saratoga Springs
• Reg Lenna Center for the Arts — Jamestown
• West Herr Performing Arts Center — Rochester
• Shea’s Performing Arts Center — Buffalo
• The Smith Center for the Arts — Geneva
• Stanley Theatre — Utica
• State Theatre of Ithaca — Ithaca
• Landmark Theatre — Syracuse
• Troy Savings Bank Music Hall — Troy
• Ulster Performing Arts Center — Kingston

“We see this year’s investment as an important step forward, and we’re sincerely thankful for the Legislature’s support,” said Morris. “At the same time, the needs facing these nearly century-old institutions continue to grow. We look forward to working alongside our legislative partners during next year’s budget process to secure the full $8 million needed to preserve these historic landmarks, strengthen local economies, and ensure these theaters continue serving as vibrant community anchors for generations to come.”

Alive Downtowns is grateful for this year’s investment, but the work continues. During the 2027 budget process, the coalition will advocate for the full $8 million originally requested to ensure these historic performing arts centers can continue serving as economic drivers, educational resources, cultural treasures, and the beating heart of thirteen downtowns stretching from Buffalo to Poughkeepsie.

About Alive Downtowns

Alive Downtowns is a coalition of thirteen historic performing arts centers located in downtown communities across Upstate New York. Together, the coalition advocates for strategic public investment in the arts while advancing economic development, tourism, historic preservation, arts education, and the continued revitalization of New York’s downtowns.

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