Photo Courtesy of The Stories We Tell, produced by Monument Lab.

New Jersey's rich arts community has a unique opportunity to engage their audiences with a once-in-a-generation initiative. RevolutionNJ, a collaboration between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the non-profit Crossroads of the American Revolution, is the state's official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026.

This initiative was developed with the hope of inspiring communities, organizations, and institutions to explore New Jersey's role in American history, drawing lessons from the past to apply to the present and future. Arts and cultural organizations across New Jersey are in an unparalleled position to engage the public with New Jersey's role in the American story through public arts and placemaking.

Join the New Jersey State Arts Council and RevolutionNJ on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 12:00pm for a free, virtual informational workshop to learn how some arts organizations have already integrated the broad goals, themes, and audiences that frame RevolutionNJ into new and existing programming. This workshop session will include a brief overview of the initiative, a highlight of existing programs and partnerships, and a brainstorm Q&A session to identify exciting opportunities to commemorate the 250th and beyond.

The session is free to attend, but registration is required. Click here to register for the session.

For a look at existing artist collaborations, visit The Stories We Tell YouTube playlist and Artist Research Residency Booklet. The Stories We Tell is a project developed in collaboration with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, New Jersey Historical Commission, and Monument Lab.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, created in 1966, is a division of the NJ Department of State and a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Council was established to encourage and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey. The Council believes the arts are central to every element we value most in a modern society including: human understanding; cultural and civic pride; strong communities; excellent schools; lifelong learning; creative expression; and economic opportunity.