The arts can be a pathway to understanding ideas and subjects that extend well beyond the arts themselves. The Arts Integration Spark Award recognizes a project, program, or initiative that uses creative practice to deepen understanding of a non-arts subject, bringing together different disciplines in a way that adds something meaningful to the learning [...]
Arts education takes many forms, and this year’s honorees reflect that. Working in different disciplines and settings, Drew Burke and Lucy Andrus have each developed thoughtful approaches to engaging learners and creating meaningful connections through the arts. The Arts Educator Spark Award recognizes an arts educator or teaching artist whose work has made a [...]
Arts administrators wear a lot of hats. They manage the details, build relationships, solve problems, raise money, and help turn ideas into actual programs and opportunities. This year’s honorees found thoughtful and creative ways to go beyond their day-to-day roles, from innovative programming and responding to community needs to finding new ways to support [...]
The strongest arts organizations understand that their work doesn’t happen in isolation. They pay attention to what their communities need, look for opportunities to do more, and they aren’t afraid to rethink how they work. That kind of responsiveness is what makes an organization truly impactful. The Organization of the Year Spark Award recognizes [...]
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room, Buffalo, NY 14214 As Erie County prepares to consider its 2027 budget, Arts Services Inc. is once again offering an advocacy workshop for arts and culture nonprofit organizations based in Erie County. Led by ASI's Executive Director Jen [...]
The Artist of the Year Spark Award honors an individual creative in any artistic discipline or cultural expression whose work, achievements, and community impact have made a meaningful mark on Western New York since 2025. This year’s nominations recognized artists not only for what they create, but for the ways their work brings people [...]
The Spark Awards have always been about more than a single moment of recognition. Over the years, the Spark Awards have helped shine a light on the many different people, ideas, and contributions that make Western New York’s creative community so unique. This year, as we celebrate a new generation of Spark Awardees, we’re [...]
Following the success of its inaugural event in 2025, ArtsNYS is bringing the Empire Arts Summit back to Albany this October for its second statewide convening. The Summit brings together artists, arts and cultural leaders, educators, advocates, policymakers, and community partners from across New York to connect, share ideas, and discuss the issues shaping [...]
Behind Arts Services Inc.'s work is a group of dedicated volunteers helping guide our mission and shape the organization's future. Our Board of Directors is made up of artists, educators, business professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates who share a commitment to strengthening WNY's creative community. While each member brings a unique perspective and [...]
If you've ever wondered how your organization's salaries and benefits compare to similar nonprofits, here's a resource worth exploring... The 2026 New York State Nonprofit Compensation Survey offers organizations the opportunity to contribute confidential salary and benefits data while helping build a stronger understanding of nonprofit compensation across New York. The New York Council of [...]
