Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/19/2021
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- On June 29, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the fiscal year 2022 state budget that provides a historic $31.9 million for cultural projects. This appropriation honors a 2020 law that establishes this level as the new minimum for state arts funding moving forward. ArtPride New Jersey, the state’s largest arts service and advocacy organization, lauds this news, as significant funds are needed to boost the recovery of New Jersey’s nonprofit arts industry from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“ArtPride New Jersey and colleagues across the state are grateful to Governor Murphy and our state legislators for supporting this desperately needed government funding,” said Allison Larena, Board Chair for ArtPride New Jersey and President & CEO of Mayo Performing Arts Center. “This investment acknowledges the arts in New Jersey as a vital industry that will aid recovery of communities in all corners of the state.”
The creative sector was devastated by the pandemic, but, as it reopens, will play a crucial role in the state’s overall recovery. New Jersey’s nonprofit arts industry, an incredible social and economic driver, typically generates more than $662 million to the state’s economy. Creative workers number nearly 22,000, with arts organizations that educate 1.1 million students and bring 8.3 million people to local communities.
“While the creative industry begins its long road to recovery, we also applaud the hundreds of thousands of arts patrons who persistently advocated over 15 years to remind elected officials that the arts are important to their lives,” added Ann Marie Miller, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy at ArtPride New Jersey.
Passed in 2003, the NJ Hotel and Motel Occupancy Fee established a certifiable and renewable source of revenue for the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Cultural Trust, Historical Commission, and Division of Travel & Tourism. Cultural activities and tourism promotion receive annually appropriated state funds only through this dedicated revenue source, as New Jersey taxpayers do not support these industries through property, sales, or income tax.
The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the value of the arts to New Jersey’s quality of life, education and economic vitality through research and a variety of programs and services.
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Murray & Peter Present: A Drag Queen Christmas
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJMurray & Peter Present
“A Drag Queen Christmas” hosted by Nina West. It’s the longest running drag tour in America. Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. We’ve got Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, Darlene Mitchell, Juicy Love Dion, Discord Addams, Crystal Methyd and Silky Ganache. VIP Meet & Greet add-on tickets available.
An Evening With Ira Glass
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJIra Glass, the legendary host of
This American Life brings a night of storytelling in the style he pioneered on his hit radio show: funny stories with feelings. His program is heard each week by over three million listeners and has won the highest honors in broadcasting, including three Emmys (for a TV adaptation), eight Peabody Awards and the first Pulitzer Prize ever given to a radio show or podcast. For decades, it’s been one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Glass invented a way to tell radio stories that reshaped audio storytelling and has been widely imitated.
Festival Of Trees: A Ucpac Fundraising Event
Sunday, November 22, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJJoin us for our Festival of Trees – a UCPAC fundraising event to kick off the holiday season!
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Friday, November 27, 2026 @ 4:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJFor more than five spectacular holiday seasons,
A Magical Cirque Christmas has captivated fans and welcomed families, making it part of their seasonal celebrations.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Friday, November 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJFor more than five spectacular holiday seasons,
A Magical Cirque Christmas has captivated fans and welcomed families, making it part of their seasonal celebrations.
EVENT PREVIEWS
State Theatre New Jersey presents A Magical Cirque Christmas
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents A Magical Cirque Christmas on Friday, November 27, 2026 at 4:30pm and 7:30pm. In this show, the cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists will mesmerize, twist, flip, and push the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied, and human potential knows no limits.
Morristown ONSTAGE to Hold Auditions on December 5th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The stage is calling! The Morris Educational Foundation (MEF), a non-profit organization enhancing excellence in education in the Morris School District for 34 years, is inviting local amateur performers of all ages to audition for the 20th anniversary of Morristown ONSTAGE, taking place Thursday, February 25, 2027, at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown.
