Skateboarders who rap in New York City could now get up to $10,000 to help fund their music careers, thanks to a new grant increase announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
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The city is doubling its maximum artist grant from $5,000 to $10,000 for the first time in nearly 20 years.
The funding is available to individual artists and small nonprofits, giving independent rappers another way to pay for recording sessions, studio equipment, music videos and other career expenses.
For skaters who spend their time filming tricks, skating local spots and making music on the side, the extra cash could help turn a creative passion into a more sustainable career.
The program supports artists across all five boroughs, with applications handled by local arts organizations. Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens currently have open grant cycles, while Staten Island's applications are scheduled to open in November 2026.
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Each borough has its own deadline, so applicants should check with their local arts council for eligibility rules and submission details. The full $10,000 is not guaranteed, as awards depend on the program.
The city is also giving grant recipients access to free creative supplies through its Materials for the Arts program. Eligible artists can book monthly appointments to collect donated materials for their work.
For NYC's skateboarding community, where filming, editing, producing tracks and building a name often require money out of pocket, the expanded grants could provide extra support for those balancing skating with a career in rap.
Artists can find application details and local resources here.