The Africa Center Receives $100,000 Grant from NYC Department of Cultural Affairs

New York, NY – March 11, 2026 – The Africa Center has been awarded a $100,000 Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grant from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, as part of the city’s largest-ever $74.3 million investment in cultural organizations. The grant will support public programming and exhibitions at the nonprofit institution, which is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Africa and its diaspora.

A Significant Investment in New York City’s Cultural Landscape

The Africa Center is one of 1,171 cultural organizations across the five boroughs of New York City to receive funding through the CDF. This year’s grants represent a historic investment in the city’s cultural sector, with a total of $74.3 million distributed to support a wide range of artistic and cultural initiatives.

The Africa Center’s Mission and Impact

The Africa Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to the belief that a more just and peaceful world is built upon a flourishing Africa and strong connections with its diaspora. Located in New York City, the Center brings together artists, creatives, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to shape artistic expression, narratives, investments, and partnerships that contribute to the prosperity and security of Africa and its global connections.

Statements from Leadership

“We are grateful to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs for their sustained support,” said Ambassador Martin Kimani, President and CEO of The Africa Center. “The grant strengthens our ability to deliver innovative programming, deepen community engagement, and ensures The Africa Center can continue to serve as a welcoming space where communities can gather, learn, and celebrate the global impact of African art, culture, and policy.”

Audrey St. Clair, Assistant Commissioner for Program Services at the DCLA, emphasized the importance of the investment: “New York City’s cultural community brings meaningful, affordable, and accessible cultural programs to every corner of the five boroughs. With this historic investment through our Cultural Development Fund, we’re proud to support and partner with more than 1,000 cultural nonprofits citywide – working across disciplines, communities, and geographies – to lift up the creative sector that is so vital to our city.”

Continued Support for the Arts

Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations, highlighted the significance of public funding in maintaining access to cultural experiences for all New Yorkers. She stated that the CDF investment reflects the central role arts and culture play in New York City’s identity and economic vitality.

Additional Funding for The Africa Center

In November 2023, The Africa Center received $7 million in capital funding from the city to support the completion of its 25,000 square-foot atrium space as announced by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. This funding, part of a larger $222 million investment in cultural groups across the city, aims to enhance cultural facilities and ensure access to world-class cultural experiences for all New Yorkers as reported on LinkedIn by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

Official award notifications for the FY26 CDF grantees were sent in December 2025.