Governor Hochul Announces the 2026 CHARM Mural Initiative including CNY Arts as one of the 12 Partners

New York State Council on the Arts Will Expand Creative Placemaking Program with 40 New Murals in More Than 30 Counties in 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 12 community partners across the state—including CNY Arts—that will be directing the creation of public murals for the second year of the Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM) program.

An initiative established by Governor Hochul and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the 2026 CHARM program will fund the creation of 40 works of art in more than 30 counties, building on last year’s initiative of 57 murals across 21 counties. The murals are expected to be completed by October 2026.

“CHARM murals are transforming blank public spaces into vibrant cultural landmarks, sparking neighborhood engagement and energizing neighborhoods,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Our regional CHARM partners will work within their localities on this dynamic initiative, creating more public art that will support local economies and revitalize communities all across New York State.”

CHARM partner organizations were chosen for their demonstrated knowledge of their regions, experience managing mural projects, and their relationships with key stakeholders in selected areas. As local engagement is a cornerstone of the initiative, CHARM partners also have a strong history of working within their communities to develop concepts, create collaborative activities, and host educational programming.

“We are pleased and proud to be selected by NYSCA and Governor Hochul to implement this exciting new program,” said Alexander Korman, Executive Director of CNY Arts. “Murals beautify our common spaces, inspire residents, welcome visitors, and celebrate New York’s rich cultural heritage. We look forward to seeing all of the completed projects.”

Additional partners for the CHARM 2026 program include:

Region

Partner Organization

Capital Region

Albany Center Gallery

Finger Lakes

Synthesis Collaborative – Roc Paint Division and WALLTHERAPY

Long Island

Patchogue Center for the Arts

Mid-Hudson

ArtsWestchester

Mohawk Valley

Saratoga Arts Council

New York City

ArtBridge

North Country

Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, Strand Center for the Arts

Southern Tier

The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes

Western NY

Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, Springville Center for the Arts

CHARM-supported murals transform everyday places with beauty and vibrancy and create points of interest throughout the diverse communities of New York State – from urban areas, suburban neighborhoods and rural towns and villages. The designs include celebrations of notable individuals, majestic natural landscapes, iconic sites, and local narratives. All the CHARM mural sites are publicly accessible, and include spaces such as libraries, schools, small businesses, public parks, and parking structures.

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “The evidence is clear: where public art thrives, neighborhoods flourish. Residents further connect with their communities, visitors are energized by local creativity and culture, and local businesses experience growth. NYSCA is proud to work with the statewide CHARM community partners and lead this important Governor’s initiative.”

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. The New York State Council on the Arts will award more than $161 million in FY 2027, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. 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.

Contact the Governor’s Press Office

Contact us by phone:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640

Contact us by email:
[email protected]

CNY Arts’ mission is to promote, support, and celebrate arts and culture in Central New York. To learn more, visit cnyarts.org. CNY Arts welcomes outreach from arts organizations, individual artists, local cultural institutions or historic sites seeking assistance at [email protected].