08 Dec National Comedy Center Awarded Additional $800k by New York State
JAMESTOWN, NY – December 8, 2016 – The National Comedy Center has been awarded another $834,000 by New York State and Governor Andrew Cuomo. The additional funding follows awards of $2.025 million in 2015 and $1.5 million in 2014, bringing the total amount awarded by New York State to approximately $4.3 million.
“Empire State Development has been a major supporter of the National Comedy Center Project for over three years and we are extremely pleased that they have once again shown that support with a major grant commitment this year,” said Tom Benson, National Comedy Center chairman. “We see this award as a clear indication that this project is a key part of the State’s long term tourism and economic development strategy.”
“The construction progress has been fantastic over the last year, and these funds are critical to bringing the rest of the project to fruition as designed,” said Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center executive director. “We’re thrilled New York State continues to see the enormous value of this project, culturally and economically.”
$600,000 of the awarded funds from Empire State Development are for continued development of the Center and adjacent Comedy Center Park, and $234,000 of the grant dollars are Market NY tourism capital funds.
The National Comedy Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural institution in Jamestown, NY, that is developing the first national visitor experience dedicated entirely to the art of comedy. The Center is comprised of three functions: the immersive exhibit experience & museum under construction now, a year-round calendar of live performance and discussion-leading programming on comedy, and an educational component supporting aspiring artists and providing comedic arts education.
The $50 million project is funded by public-private partnership and to date has been awarded more than $4.3 million from New York State, Empire State Development and I Love NY™. Design of the immersive, interactive visitor experience has been provided by renowned creative firm Jack Rouse Associates.
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For additional information, visit www.NationalComedyCenter.org.