NARROWSBURG – The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) announced a grant award totaling $99,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s Tusten Theatre Audio & Cinema Systems 2.0. 

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.

 This grant will facilitate a complete upgrade of the Tusten Theatre’s audio and visual capabilities, including a completely new sound system, movie screen and projector. 

Work will start as soon as possible, resulting in a state-of-the-art experience for all visitors to DVAA’s Big Eddy Film Festival in September, the three-day Tusten Jazz festival in November and the many performing arts and film screenings programmed throughout the year.

 “The Tusten Theatre is a cherished performing arts venue in our region,” said DVAA’s Executive Director Ariel Shanberg. “Its stage and screen have hosted countless memorable events.”

This grant marks the first major capital investment since 1989 when DVAA renovated the theatre in partnership with the Town of Tusten and Sullivan County Department of Planning. 

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “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.”