Arts-Mid Hudson Raises Flourishing Art Scene in Hudson Valley
In 1964 an arts organization known as the Dutchess County Art Council (DCAC) was founded in Poughkeepsie, NY, to act as a 501(c)(3)–the portion of the US Internal Revenue Code that allows for federal tax exemption of nonprofit organizations–to receive public funding and redistribute money to other organizations in the Dutchess County region.
Each year New York State gives out arts and culture funding, and instead of it coming out of Albany, the capital, they have a decentralized plan where they give regions a pot of money, and have organizations like DCAC, redistribute this money fairly.
In the early 2000s, the Ulster County Art Council went under and the New York State Council of the Arts approached DCAC, asking if they would takeover and distribute money to Ulster County, too. Because DCAC was now working with both Dutchess and Ulster County, they changed their name to Arts-Mid Hudson. A few years later, they expanded their geographical reach when they began to do regranting in Orange County.
The executive director of Arts-Mid Hudson, Linda Marston-Reid, is in charge of ensuring that the organization follows and serves their mission of supporting the diverse art scene in the Mid-Hudson Valley. She explains that their job is to show the community the importance of the arts.
During her time with the company, Marston-Reid found that a challenge was getting the younger generation to realize the value of the arts.
“Leadership is vital,” said Marston-Reid. “If the leadership doesn’t think the arts are important, then what kind of message is that to kids who might be in school who are thinking about going into the arts? Leadership needs to show why the arts are important.”
On a more successful note, Arts-Mid Hudson has built up the Queens City Arts initiative on Main Street.
“We work to make sure that underserved urban area gets as much of the arts as it possibly can,” explains Marston-Reid. “We fixed up a little gallery and had volunteers working there. As slow as it’s been, the Queens City Arts initiative has been a success. On the third week of every month arts and cultural events will happen in Poughkeepsie.”
Over the years Arts-Mid Hudson has grown immensely and they have fostered an extremely vibrant arts scene that includes the symphony orchestra–the Hudson Valley Philharmonic–and renowned art museums like Dia:Beacon and Storm King Art Center. They always encourage people to participate and stay involved in the arts in their community.
“We have a very strong base of supporters and every year we receive heartfelt notes talking about how important our work is,” reflected Marston-Reid. “I️t is really gratifying to hear people talk about how grateful they are that we are here and do this work.”
