Economic Development

Our mission: Through arts and community leadership be a catalyst for excellence in education, sustainable economic development and rich civic engagement to enhance the quality of life in the greater Capital Region.

Proctors has been—and will be—involved in the Capital Region’s economy in so many ways. Earlier on during Proctors rejuvenation during a series of renovations and expansion late in the last century through the early 2000s, it was its growth into a significant cultural institution that spurred development in downtown Schenectady. Saratoga Living described the impact in a 2015 article: “Proctors revitalization has had a ripple effect radiating outward down the State Street corridor, breathing new life into a downtown area once replete with vacant, crumbling storefronts.”

But soon its influence was felt in a broader way—both geographically and economically. From regional efforts to bring together not-for-profits, artists and entrepreneurs that comprise the creative economy, to a nearly $2 million investment to renovate the third floor of Proctors as part of a plan to boost the creative workforce, the institution has become a major player in the economic revitalization of the Capital Region.

On these pages are some of the many ways Proctors has energized the local economy. Return often for updates and announcement on new endeavors.