More than $8 million for nearly 300 grants distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts is going to organizations across New York state, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced Wednesday.

The $8,018,255 in funding will allow beloved cultural organizations and nonprofits to support artists, musicians, exhibitions, educational programing and public engagement and outreach to help grow these vital industries in communities across upstate New York.

"Art, music, and the humanities, along with community organizations, cultural groups, and non-profits are the lifeblood of New York communities big and small. From the Thomas Cole House to the Buffalo Philharmonic, an investment in the arts is an investment in New York’s future, as both a tourist destination and a vibrant place to live,” said Sen. Schumer. "This over $8 million federal investment will help paint a more vibrant picture for New York’s future, all while supporting jobs, education, and breathing new life into our Main Streets which depend on a thriving arts and cultural sector. I am proud to deliver this critical federal funding to support hundreds of Empire State organizations that will keep the arts growing in New York for years to come."

Among the programs set to receive funding are the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Rochester Institute of Technology, Jacob Burns Film Center, Rockwell Museum, Public Broadcasting Council of Central New York, CNY Arts, Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, Iroquois Indian Museum, and more.

"The arts define who we are as a nation and are pivotal in the advancement of our education and economy," said Sen. Gillibrand. "This $8 million in federal funding is a major investment in local organizations to advance art, music, and culture in our communities. I am proud to deliver this funding and will continue to fight to bring federal dollars home to New York."

A full list of grant recipients can be found here.