Picente Announces STEM, Arts and Culture Projects Chosen for Funding

Oneida County to Partner with The Community Foundation to Expand Arts and Culture Investment

County Executive Picente announced today 35 projects impacting arts, culture and STEM education will be funded through the Partners In Prosperity Funding as allocated in the county’s 2015 budget.

“The requests were far greater than the money available,” said Picente, adding that 55 proposals were submitted. “That is a testament to all the amazing things happening in our community.”

In an effort to meet and fund a larger number of these requests and make bigger impact in the region, The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. has partnered with the county to expand the $330,000 arts and culture investment by $135,000.

“The Foundation already is investing financial, intellectual and social capital in arts and culture in Oneida and Herkimer counties,” said Foundation President and CEO Alicia Dicks, adding that The Foundation will consider projects for funding that invoke innovation, partnership, collaboration and impact. “This partnership allows us to further our community’s vision and impact for arts and culture as well as leverage the investment being made by the county.”

Seventeen requests made for the STEM education funding of $500,000 totaled $1,793,659. The county has chosen 10 of the 17 submitted project requests.

“As the entire I-90 corridor moves toward a high-tech economy with tenants in nanotechnology, cybersecurity and unmanned aerial systems, the county must be an active partner in preparing our children so they can stay, work, live and raise their families in Oneida County,” Picente said. “We identified 10 projects that will move STEM education forward in this county.” 

Partners in Prosperity Funding was included in the county’s 2015 budget and funds projects in infrastructure, public safety, arts and culture, sharing agreements and economic development as well as tax stabilization. The funding is directly from gaming revenue received from by the County from historic Settlement Agreement with the Oneida Indian Nation.

“This Partners in Prosperity Funding was created to show what we as a community could do together once we put aside longstanding disputes with the Oneida Indian Nation,” Picente said. “I’m thankful to partner with The Community Foundation in this impactful investment in continuing to build a vibrant, healthy community.”

 Project specifics will be identified at an upcoming press conference.