Welcome to ASI Programs

Arts Services Initiative works in many different capacities for and with the Western New York arts and cultural community.  Below you will find a list of our current and past programs and initiatives.

Want to know more?  Hover over or click on the program.  This is a tool for you to explore all that we do for organizations and artists in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties!

PROGRAMS

Arts Access Program

Find out about ongoing free & low-cost arts & cultural events. Erie & Niagara County residents who receive public assistance can apply for a pass. Or simply visit the website to see all low-cost opportunities.

Professional Development

ASI offers free professional development opportunities including trainings and workshops, one-on-one trainings by appointment, and other ways to learn about best practices for non-profits and artists.

Advocacy

We give a voice to the WNY arts and cultural community through a variety of advocacy efforts and partnering with groups like Americans for the Arts.

DEC Grants

Funding opportunities for artists and organizations in Erie and Niagara Counties for arts and cultural programs, arts education, and the creation of new artworks.

Spark Awards

ASI’s annual fundraiser – an amazing arts awards party that recognizes those who ignite arts and culture in WNY.

Give for Greatness

This program raises funds throughout the year to distribute to arts and cultural organizations in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany counties for general operating support.

The Big Easy in Buffalo

Bringing the best of New Orleans music, art, and culture to Western New York and creating opportunities for local students to learn from artistic professionals.

Fendrick Theatre Fund

In 2016 ASI began to distribute this fund on behalf of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the David R. Fendrick Theatre Fund.  This fund is for those who aim to make an impact in theater in the Greater Buffalo region.

Quebec Artist Residency

3 New York State artists (in any discipline) can apply to do a 3 month artist residency in the Province of Quebec at a venue of their choosing.  Recipients receive a $9,000 stipend for their residency.  This is made possible through the New York State Council on the Arts and the Province of Quebec Council of Arts and Letters.

Make Music Day WNY - June 21

A one-day celebration of music!!  In 2016 we launched this event for the first time in Buffalo and Niagara Falls.  Multiple music performances took place in multiple locations and venues including Silo City, Old Falls Street, and Niagara Falls State Park.  Learn more on how you can be a part of this all-day, free music celebration!

OTHER AND PAST INITIATIVES

Canalside

ASI works with Spectra Venue Management on integrating arts and culture and community aspects into Canalside activities.

Museum Day Live

Every year we promote free access for a day to our WNY museums through the Smithsonian Magazine’s MUSEUM DAY LIVE pass!

Health Insurance

If you are an artist or work in the WNY arts and cultural field ASI has teamed up with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce to provide health insurance benefits.

Buffalo River & Outer Harbor

ASI worked with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation to provide programming and opportunities along the Buffalo River Corridor and Outer Harbor landscapes. This initiative took place from 2012 – 2015 and is not currently available.

Cultural Cards

For two years we partnered with Block Club to bring the community discounts to a variety of arts and cultural attractions.

Path Through History

ASI played an influential role in the creation and execution of this program, initiated by Governor Andrew Cuomo to promote our cultural attractions in the region and throughout New York State.