originally published: 07/21/2015
(Trenton, NJ) -- Demonstrating the Christie Administration's commitment to advancing the arts, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts awarded more than $15.7 million in grant funding for over 700 arts organizations, projects and artists throughout the state. The awards were announced at the Arts Council's 49th Annual Meeting held at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Trenton.
"The arts industry is critical to New Jersey's economic growth and creative vitality," said Acting Governor Kim Guadagno, who also serves as Secretary of State. "The grants awarded through the State Arts Council support cultural assets in every region that help shape New Jersey communities as great places to live, visit, do business and raise a family."
Arts Council Chair Elizabeth Mattson stated, "Today's actions reflect the Council's commitment to excellence, and to ensuring that the public funds entrusted to us are invested wisely in the people and organizations that make this state great."
The Council receives funding from the State of New Jersey through the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee legislation passed in 2003, which established a dedicated revenue source to support arts, history and tourism. Additionally the Arts Council receives annual competitive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Funding decisions are made through a transparent, merit-based and rigorous grants process that assures access and equity. Independent peer panels evaluate grant applications to eliminate the possibility for conflict of interest.
"New Jersey artists and arts organizations are forever breaking molds, changing lives, and leading the way nationally." said Council Executive Director Nick Paleologos.
According to Arts Council records, state arts funding employs an estimated 17,000 workers, supports 37,000 cultural events, and attracts 5 million visitors who spend another $125 million. The bottom line: every nickel of state spending on the arts yields a dollar of local economic impact in towns and cities across the state.
In other business, the Council bids farewell to board member Germaine Trabert (Westfield) who retired from the Council after many years of dedicated service. Ms. Trabert served in various leadership positions throughout her tenure including her most recent roles as 1st Vice Chair and Chair of the Grants Committee.
Additionally, 42 organizations and projects that received the highest evaluations from the panel reviewing the applications were recognized with Citations of Excellence. Forty groups were designated as Major Arts, Presenting or Service organizations in recognition of their history of excellence, the breadth of their impact, and their longstanding leadership.
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
View a list of FY16 grants by county.
View a list of FY16 grants by category/discipline.
View a list of those honored with FY16 Citations or designated as Majors.
FEATURED EVENTS
WP New Music Ensemble
Monday, May 06, 2024 @ 7:30pm
William Paterson University - Shea Recital Hall 101
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
category: music
Click here for full description
Koolulam
Tuesday, May 07, 2024 @ 8:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music
Click here for full description
Al Stewart & The Empty Pockets
Tuesday, May 07, 2024 @ 7:30pm
The Vogel
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music
Click here for full description
Click here for more events
Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages.
Click here for more info.
LATEST NEWS
"Last Night At The Rue Bayou" to Have Industry Reading on Thursday
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Last Night At The Rue Bayou is a new immersive musical experience with concept, book and lyrics by Michael Meth, original music by recording artist Martee LeBow and direction by Tracey Conyer Lee. Irwin Fisch is music supervisor and the music director is Kenny Seymour. This magical new musical will have an invitation-only industry reading on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at The Blue Gallery just 3 blocks east of Times Square.
An Evening with NYT bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews in conversation with author Lian Dolan
From Ballet to Hip-Hop, Mercer Dance Ensemble Explores "Experiences" Through Dance at Kelsey Theatre
Playground Theatre Project presents "Lost Angels"
Click here for more event previews
New Jersey Stage
© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com
Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!
