LIVINGSTON MANOR – Catskill Art Space (CAS) recently announced a grant award totaling $92,808 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to replace the existing rear roof of its flagship facility, a critical infrastructure project essential to protecting the building, safeguarding the health and safety of its users, and ensuring the long-term viability of its artistic and community programming. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $82 million to 132 arts and culture facilities across New York State. 

Catskill Art Space is undertaking a critical infrastructure renewal project at its flagship facility in Livingston Manor, New York: the full replacement of the building's rear roof system. Housed in a historic industrial-era structure adaptively reused as a multidisciplinary contemporary arts center, CAS serves as a cultural anchor for the western Catskills — offering year-round exhibitions, performances, film screenings, artist talks, educational programs, and community gatherings. 

The existing rear roof, a legacy assembly predating the most recent renovation, has developed persistent leaks resulting in water infiltration, elevated humidity, risks to artworks and equipment, and ongoing concerns about indoor air quality and occupant health. A temporary spray foam application previously used to slow water intrusion has reached the end of its functional life and must be fully removed. The replacement project will strip the roof down to its original planking and install a new, fully adhered membrane roofing system incorporating polyisocyanurate rigid insulation, updated flashing, edge metal, and all required accessory components — delivering a durable, energy-efficient assembly suited to the demands of a contemporary arts facility and ensuring the long-term protection of the building, its users, and the programs it supports.

“New York’s powerful arts and culture sector is a formidable asset,” Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investments in museums, theaters and art centers generate incredible returns — sparking innovation, boosting local economies, driving visitors and making us the global epicenter of arts and culture.”

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “We know that when the arts flourish, communities follow — bringing energy, creating jobs, expanding accessibility, and increasing tourism. This grant program is a critical investment in our creative sector, empowering our creative community and inspiring innovation. Congratulations to all the grantees, we look forward to seeing these diverse projects develop all throughout the state.”