The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is an arts council serving the U.S. state of New York. It was established in 1960 through a bill introduced in the New York State Legislature by New York State Senator MacNeil Mitchell (1905–1996), with backing from Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and began its work in 1961. It awards more than 1,900 grants each year to arts, culture, and heritage non-profits and artists throughout the state. Its headquarters are in Manhattan, New York City. As stated on its website, the council "is dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of New York's citizens." The Chairperson of NYSCA is Katherine Nicholls, and the executive director is Mara Manus. External links New York State Council on the Arts official site Arts councils of the United States Arts organizations based in New York City 1960 establishments in New York (state) Arts organizations established in 1960 Government agencies established in 1960 Special Tony Award recipients