New TAG Program will Aid Cultural Resources

ALBANY, NY (03/16/2012)(readMedia)-- The Preservation League of New York State is pleased to announce the availability of Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) to provide support for projects that preserve New York State's cultural and historic resources.

The grants will support professional services of architects, engineers and other design and preservation professionals working with not-for-profit groups and municipalities to preserve their arts and cultural buildings, structures and other resources.

This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Not-for-profit arts/cultural groups and municipalities managing an arts/cultural facilities are encouraged to apply. Please note that state agencies, friends groups of NYS-owned sites, religious institutions and private property owners are not eligible for this program. Eligible groups may apply for only one project per grant cycle.

The applicant group may apply for short-term, discrete projects that advance the preservation of historic sites, museums, arts facilities and other culturally important institutions that are located in historic buildings and structures that are open to the public. These professional studies include: building conditions surveys, engineering/structural analyses, feasibility/reuse studies and specialized building conservation studies.

TAG is intended to support the direct costs of carrying out the types of projects described above. Expenses can include: consultants fees, in-state travel, photography, report production costs and other associated fees.

A total of $33,833 is available statewide. It will be disbursed in two grant cycles in 2012. Grants amounts will not exceed $3,000 and the total cost of the applicant's project may not exceed $3,500. Each applicant must provide $500 toward the total project cost.

The deadline for the first funding round is April 30, 2012. Prospective applicants must first discuss their project with the appropriate League staff person. For Eastern New York including New York City and Long Island, contact Erin Tobin at 518-462-5658 x12. For Western and Central New York including the Southern Tier, contact Tania Werbizky at 607-257-6510. To review TAG guidelines, visit the League's website at www.preservenys.org.