(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Much has shifted during this extraordinary time. A few months ago, Nimbus had hoped to begin a new chapter with the opening of the Nimbus Arts Center at the end of May. Although the Grand Opening is postponed, Nimbus’ commitment to transforming Jersey City cannot wait, especially for their young people.

In the face of continued challenges, the company has announced a historic $100K Scholarship Pledge that will make dance available to Jersey City’s youth in every ward. When Nimbus asked the community for support in making Nimbus Arts Center at The Lively a reality, many people came through. In committing the largest investment in the arts in Jersey City’s history, the response inspired Nimbus to make the largest arts scholarship fund in the city’s history as well. 

Nimbus says this $100K Scholarship fund will serve as an annual resource for Jersey City families, applicable towards School of Nimbus classes and programs at the Nimbus Arts Center, as well as off-site programs at the 18 Jersey City schools that the company partners with. Additionally, over the coming months, Nimbus will launch a new partnership with the Jersey City Housing Authority, bringing ongoing dance programming to a population of youth who are too often deprived of all that the most diverse city in The United States has to offer.

In consideration of the financial hardship that many are facing as a result of COVID-19, The Nimbus Scholarship Pledge has been configured so that families can take advantage of funding for summer programming, even before the Nimbus Art Center opens. By making resources available early, Nimbus hope to provide much-needed focused activity for Jersey City youth once the school year ends. Summer programming includes: JC SummerArts: Healthy at Home (online arts camp: 6/22-7/17), JC SummerArts (7/20-8/28), and Nimbus Summer Intensive (teen program, 8/24-8/28). Interested families should reach out to Julia Marroquin, Assistant School Director, at school@nimbusdanceworks.org. 

A generous donor has issued a challenge grant which will match dollar for dollar every donation to Nimbus’ Scholarship Fund up to $20,000 until June 7th. The public is urged to join the company in stepping up to unlock the arts as a source of hope, joy, and educational advancement, for some of the most talented, yet underserved youth in the State of New Jersey, during these times when it is needed most.

To Make a secure, tax-deductible contribution to the Nimbus Scholarship Fund, Please Click HERE. Please mail checks to: Nimbus Dance Works, 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

“The Arts have the ability to unlock the potential of young people and make a lasting impact on their lives – their educational outcomes, their interpersonal relationships, their physical and mental health and their sense of self worth. The Jersey City Housing Authority is pleased to partner with Nimbus in bringing new dance programming to our residents, especially as our community responds to the financial and health impact of COVID-19.” - Vivian Brady-Phillips, Executive Director of the Jersey City Housing Authority 

“Now more than ever Jersey City arts groups are stepping up to lead the way and provide important services to benefit Jersey City families. Through Nimbus' scholarship pledge, countless numbers of Jersey City's diverse, talented and creative youth will have the opportunity to train with Nimbus' excellent staff at the new Nimbus Arts Center." - Christine Goodman, Director of the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs