The Decentralization Program (DEC) was developed in 1977 to encourage greater participation in New York State's cultural funding at the local level. DEC is a statewide re-granting system designed to support a wide range of community based arts programs and the work of individual artists in diverse communities throughout the state. DEC forms the cornerstone of  NYSCA's partnership with a dedicated network of local arts organizations throughout New York State. It provides a direct link between the state arts councils and local participation in the arts.

DEC has become one of the Councils' most effective means of making arts support available to geographically, economically and ethnically diverse segments of the state's population.

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