BETHEL –  Bethel Woods Center for the Arts announced today a grant award totaling $219,000 from the NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA)to support the organization upgrading the lawn’s sound system for the pavilion stage. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across NYS.

The sound system upgrade will significantly enhance the audio experience for guests seated on the lawn at the iconic outdoor amphitheater, located at the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. The improvements come on the heels of Bethel Woods being named the Best Outdoor Music Venue in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025. This investment will ensure that all guests, regardless of where they sit, enjoy an immersive, high-quality audio experience that matches the venue’s national reputation for excellence.

“We are deeply honored to receive this generous support from NYSCA,” said Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. “We are committed to providing an exceptional experience for every guest who visits our hallowed grounds. This grant allows us to make meaningful upgrades to our lawn sound system so that every person, no matter where they choose to sit, can fully enjoy the magic of live performance in our award-winning amphitheater.”

“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul explained. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin added, “These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s dedication to arts and culture, we are building a thriving future for our world-renowned creative sector. Congratulations to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to NY’s arts and culture.”