Performing arts venues in New York are seeking financial relief from state officials as lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul are negotiating a $216 billion budget.

The venues were financially battered over the last two years by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many have struggled as attendance starts to return to normal levels.

The venues are calling for a stabilization fund for non-profit and for-profit performing arts spaces, an increase in the maximum grant award from $49,500 to $250,0000 and allowing non-profit venues to access the small business relief fund.

The effort is backed by the New York Independent Venue Association, which counts more than 200 small venues end to end in New York statewide. The venues employ about 17,000 people.

“Our members are economic drivers in their local communities,” said NYIVA Chair Jen Lyon. “Federal support alone is not sufficient to address the scope of the state mandated closure, and ongoing decrease in ticket sales, attendance, and cancellations due to COVID. Other states have found the funding, we need New York State to do the same.”

The group is also calling for venues that received federal relief aid to still be able to qualify for state help as well as lifting a revenue cap on eligibility.

Last November, and prior to the spread of the omicron variant of COVID, the group's members reported a ticket sales decline of more than 50% compared to the same time period in 2019. During the shutdown, the venues collectively lost $15 million a month.

Arts and cultural events are estimated to account for 7.5% of the state's GDP.