I’m honored to share that I’ve been awarded a New York State Council on the Arts Support for Artists grant for my ongoing project, Confabulations and Fantabulosas: A Queer Archive. With the support of NYSCA and the sponsorship of New York Artists Equity, this grant helps move the project from a hopeful idea into an expanded, community-driven reality.
This work grows out of years of listening, gathering, and paying attention to the stories—documented, half-remembered, invented, or lovingly embellished—that weave through queer life. Confabulations and Fantabulosas is my way of building an archive that doesn’t behave like an archive: it’s porous, communal, and alive, shaped as much by the people who show up as by the histories we inherit.
I’m grateful for NYSCA’s recognition and for the continued investment the State of New York makes in artists and cultural workers. Support like this keeps projects rooted in community imagination possible.
Andrew Cornell Robinson Awarded a New York State Council on the Arts Support for Artists Grant
Ridgewood, Queens, New York City, NY — Andrew Cornell Robinson received a Support for Artists grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support his creative work. Sponsored by New York New York Artists Equity, this award will fund Confabulations and Fantabulosas: A Queer Archive.
Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in FY 2026 to arts and culture nonprofits across all 10 regions and a historic number of artists.
“New York’s arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of the state’s identity, and we’re making bold investments to ensure it remains strong,” Governor Hochul said.“These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts. Congratulations to all the grantees – your talent and dedication help power New York’s future.”
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “During these challenging times, the New York State Council on the Arts has been a stalwart and innovative funder. These grants will serve artists and organizations in every region and county, fueling our economy and serving our communities. We know this support isn’t just an investment in the arts; it’s an investment in New York’s future. Congratulations to all our FY2026 grantees and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity, and your tireless service to New York State.”
New York State Council on the Arts Chair Patrick Willingham said, “With the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, the Council is proud to congratulate this year’s grantees, whose collective efforts strengthen and benefit us all. I also want to recognize the work of NYSCA’s panelists, staff, and the entire Council, whose dedication has ensured that this critical support will reach every corner of New York State.”
About the New York State Council on the Arts The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts
