(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts are pleased to announce that Governor Chris Christie has officially proclaimed October 2016 as “Discover Jersey Arts Month.” Held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month, Discover Jersey Arts Month is a celebration of the joy, entertainment and enrichment the arts bring to the state’s diverse communities. 

“October is my favorite month for two reasons: a) Fall, and b) Discover Jersey Arts,” exclaims Nick Paleologos, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. “For most of our fabulous organizations, the new season begins, and with it a cornucopia of music, dance, visual and performing arts that will dazzle and delight in every corner of our state.”

Intended to encourage all New Jerseyans to explore the arts throughout the Garden State, Discover Jersey Arts Month also highlights the often overlooked economic, educational and civic engagement values that the arts impart in our lives.

“The gubernatorial proclamation acknowledges the incredible arts in our state and outlines how vital they are to our towns and cities. The arts play a unique role in the lives of our families and the benefits reach every single resident,” says Adam Perle, President & CEO of ArtPride New Jersey. “From helping children excel in school to creating economic vitality, driving job creation to advancing creative problem-solving, the arts create healthy, thriving communities across New Jersey.”  

Community members are invited to commemorate Discover Jersey Arts Month by taking part in the arts around the state and sharing their experiences with their friends. Details can be found at JerseyArts.com/ArtoberNJ.

Discover Jersey Arts is a cosponsored project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts dedicated to increasing the awareness of and participation in the arts. Visit JerseyArts.com for information on upcoming performances and exhibitions, as well as details on how to become a Jersey Arts Member and receive special ticket deals, access to exclusive events, arts news and other benefits.

About the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation

The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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. For more information about ArtPride, visit www.ArtPrideNJ.com.

About the New Jersey State Council on the Arts 

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is a division of the NJ Department of State. It receives funding in direct appropriations from the State of New Jersey through a dedicated Hotel/Motel Occupancy fee and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Since 1966, its volunteer members and professional staff have worked to improve the quality of life in New Jersey through strategic support of the arts. To learn more about the Council, please visit www.artscouncil.nj.gov.