You are reading

Gianaris Secures $5 Million Grant for Educational Programming at Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria

(Photos Michael Gianaris and MoMI) (1)

State Senator Michael Gianaris has secured a $5 million grant for the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria (Photos Michael Gianaris and MoMI)

Dec. 5, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

State Senator Michael Gianaris has secured a $5 million grant for the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria.

The grant, which is being allocated via the 2022-23 state budget, will be used to advance the 35th Avenue museum’s educational programming in film, television, and digital media, Gianaris said.

The funding will create educational tools at the museum’s exhibition space and provide greater public access to the museum’s Digital Innovation Lab for Media and Games.

Gianaris made the announcement at MoMI’s annual gala at the venue Thursday and said the museum has been at the heart of New York’s film and television industry for many years.

“The Museum of the Moving Image is a powerful space to experience the history and project the future of film, television and digital media,” Gianaris said.

“I am so proud to announce this funding to support their educational mission and enhance access to the incredible exhibitions they have for all to enjoy.”

A portion of the grant will be used to fund the museum’s Digital Innovation Lab for Media and Games. The lab hosts free digital literacy classes, workshops and media design challenges for people of all ages and abilities, Gianaris said.

Participants at the lab learn to create digital games, short videos, apps, and digital artworks using mixed media, virtual media, and augmented reality. They also receive job skills training to prepare them for employment in media and technology industries.

The lab programs are available in English and Spanish, with some also in Arabic, Urdu and Cantonese.

Ivan Lustig, the co-chair of the Board of Trustees at MoMI, welcomed the announcement and said the grant was very important to maintain the museum’s educational programming.

“Education lies at the heart of the museum’s mission,” Lustig said. “This major support from the state will provide us with a strong foundation as we look to the future.”

Thursday’s gala was also attended by Councilmember Julie Won and State Senator-elect Kristen Gonzalez.

The gala included a tribute to the late filmmaker and visual effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull who is known for his work on movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and Blade Runner.

(Photo Michael Gianaris)

State Senator Michael Gianaris (L), State Senator-elect Kristen Gonzalez (C) and Councilmember Julie Won (R) at the MoMI gala Thursday (Photo provided by Michael Gianaris)

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Borough President recommends approval of One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced on Monday a long list of recommendations to approve the city’s One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions.

The sweeping proposal entered the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in April, following certification by the City Planning Commission, and aims to transform a large portion of Long Island City with new zoning rules that would create nearly 14,700 housing units—including 4,300 affordable homes—alongside 14,400 jobs, over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and expanded access to the East River waterfront.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.