Governor Hochul Announces the 2026 Statewide Partners for the CHARM Mural Initiative

Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 12 community partners across the state 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.

The creative partners for the CHARM 2026 program are:

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."

New York State Council on the Arts Council Chair Patrick Willingham said, "The initial success of the CHARM program has shown that communities all across the state are enriched through creative placemaking in ways that go beyond beautification. We are so proud to continue this program and bring the energy, pride, and connection of murals to so many communities across New York State."

State Senator Shelley Mayer said, "I am thrilled that ArtsWestchester has been chosen as a partner in the CHARM program. We are fortunate to have so many talented artists here in our communities whose murals will now be shared more broadly for all to see. Under ArtsWestchester's leadership and with this grant, these murals will bring vibrancy to our towns and villages and showcase our rich art talent. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for selecting ArtsWestchester and congratulations to ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. I look forward to seeing these murals throughout our district."

Assemblymember Charles Burdick said, "I am delighted that ArtsWestchester was selected as one of the twelve community partners statewide to participate in the CHARM program. I applaud the Governor's initiative, which fosters community-based arts organizations such as ArtsWestchester. The state's commitment to the arts is second to none and yet another reason why living in the Empire State is so wonderful."

Assemblymember Gabriella Romero said, "Albany Center Gallery is one of the Capital Region's great creative anchors, and I am thrilled to see their incredible work and deep commitment to our community recognized through the CHARM initiative. ACG has an extraordinary ability to bring artists, neighbors, and the community together to make art accessible. I am proud to support Albany Center Gallery and the Governor's CHARM initiative as ACG continues to strengthen the City of Albany's cultural fabric."

Assemblymember Michael Cashman said, "Public art significantly enhances community gathering spaces, and I am incredibly happy to see more murals come to the North Country region. I have already been to the Plattsburgh Melissa Penfield Park's "Monarchs and Milkweeds" mural and partook in painting some of the mural alongside dozens of other community members, and it is great to watch it come to life in real time. Programs like this are incredibly special and I am glad to see the state continue to support the arts."

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.