The Cherry Valley Water Project

PRESS RELEASE

November 26, 2026

Angelica Palmer Awarded a New York State Council on the Arts Support for Artists Grant

Cherry Valley, NY -- Angelica Palmer received a Support for Artists grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support her creative work. Sponsored by New York Folklore, this award will fund Sacred Waters, the next iteration of the Cherry Valley Water Project. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in FY 2026 to arts and culture nonprofits across all 10 regions and a historic number of artists.

Sacred Waters will be a new community water ritual created for Cherry Valley that draws on the indigenous Slavic and Animist traditions of Angelica's ancestors from the Biebrza River Valley in Podlasie, Poland.  The Cherry Valley Water Project is a multi-year exploration of how to develop sacred, caring relationships with our local waters through community and the performing arts.

Angelica Dzeli Gosiewska Palmer is a social practice artist and ritualist working at the intersection of nature, community, and ancestral wisdom. Rooted in Slavic and Animist traditions, she uses music, storytelling, and somatic practices to create participatory experiences that foster reconnection with self, others, and the living world. 

“New York’s arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of the state’s identity, and we're making bold investments to ensure it remains strong,” Governor Hochul said. “These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts. Congratulations to all the grantees – your talent and dedication help power New York’s future.”

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “During these challenging times, the New York State Council on the Arts has been a stalwart and innovative funder. These grants will serve artists and organizations in every region and county, fueling our economy and serving our communities. We know this support isn’t just an investment in the arts; it’s an investment in New York’s future. Congratulations to all our FY2026 grantees and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity, and your tireless service to New York State.”

New York State Council on the Arts Chair Patrick Willingham said, “With the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, the Council is proud to congratulate this year’s grantees, whose collective efforts strengthen and benefit us all. I also want to recognize the work of NYSCA’s panelists, staff, and the entire Council, whose dedication has ensured that this critical support will reach every corner of New York State.”

About the New York State Council on the Arts The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts. 

For more information on Angelica Palmer and the Cherry Valley Water Project, please visit dzeli.com, facebook.com/dzeli, or @dzelisnow on Instagram.