Ticonderoga, New York - The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) congratulates Fort Ticonderoga on the completion of their $9 million Pavilion Project. In FY 2018, the agency awarded Fort Ticonderoga nearly $2.5 million toward the Pavilion's restoration, which will allow for greater visitor access, more cultural programming, and serves as a multi-purpose space for the property.

“Capital projects are economic generators that create accessible, healthy spaces, and drive community engagement,” said Mara Manus, Executive Director, New York State Council on the Arts. “Fort Ticonderoga celebrates New York’s rich history and welcomes tourists from across the world to experience the spectacular cultural activities that our state has to offer. We are thrilled to support the Pavilion through a $2.5 million grant and look forward to the impact this space will have on Essex County and the surrounding regions.”

NYSCA’s grant to Fort Ticonderoga was one of the largest capital grants ever awarded by the agency. North Country is home to dozens of NYSCA grantees and cultural organizations that promote tourism and provide access to arts and culture across the region.

“Fort Ticonderoga is one of New York State’s most treasured destinations and the completion of this project will inspire visitors from here at home, across the country and around the globe to take a trip to North Country,” said Katherine Nicholls, Chair, New York State Council on the Arts. “This important preservation project reminds us of our state’s unique place in history, and the adaptive-reuse plan represents the continued ingenuity of New York’s cultural anchors.”

“Fort Ticonderoga is exceedingly grateful to all of our partners, especially the New York State Council on the Arts who made this significant project possible,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “The Pavilion restoration project saved a national treasure while expanding Fort Ticonderoga's capacity as a major cultural destination. The completed Pavilion includes expanded visitor amenities, a conference center and private rental capacity, and new educational and exhibition space.”

Fort Ticonderoga has developed a master plan for the next decade that includes several significant capital investments intended to enhance interpretation, storytelling, preservation, financial sustainability and overall guest experience. The $9 million Pavilion restoration and adaptive-use project marks a major milestone completing phase 1 of the $70 million campaign, considered one of the largest economic development projects in New York’s North Country. By 2030 Fort Ticonderoga is conservatively estimated to contribute $77 million to the local economy with planned additions, including $56 million in tax revenue benefit and 678 direct and indirect jobs.

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Fort Ticonderoga is one of New York's premier attractions and a crown jewel for the Adirondacks, welcoming a diverse range of guests and appealing to many interests. The newly restored and renovated Pavilion will encourage more visitors to experience the Fort through new opportunities and special events, complementing any New York State getaway. We encourage everyone to come be a part of it and plan a trip to find what they love in New York State."

More information about Fort Ticonderoga’s future plans can be found here.

NYSCA has provided $50 million in Capital support across the state since FY 2018. The agency plans to release their FY 2023 Capital Projects application guidelines in September 2022.

This year, Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature invested a historic $140 million for the New York State Council on the arts, including $50 million in Capital Projects grants to support the recovery and revitalization of the arts across New York State.

NYSCA currently has five open grant opportunities and the deadline to apply is July 12, 2022, at 4PM. More information is available here.

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The Council on the Arts preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. The Council upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. Through its core grant-making activity, the Council on the Arts awarded more than $100 million in FY 2022. NYSCA's statewide grants program supports the visual, literary, media and performing arts and includes dedicated support for arts education and underserved communities.

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 http://www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.