(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- South Jersey Cultural Alliance (SJCA) proudly announces the distribution of $40,000 in micro-grants to artists in the eight southern counties of South Jersey.  The microgrants are made possible by New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund (NJACRF) and will support and invigorate the artistic economy.

By leveraging SJCA's expansive cultural network of over 1200 artists and cultural entities, SJCA will distribute these funds in an inclusive and broad manner, echoing SJCA's vision of an inclusive, vibrant cultural sector.

SJCA will award $1,000 grants to 40 working artists and cultural professionals in South Jersey. The application process opened on Friday, September 1, 2023, and can be accessed here. The grant deadline is October 7, 2023, with award determinations sent by mid to late November 2023. South Jersey Cultural Alliance will also work to celebrate and highlight the awardees online and at an in-person event to be held in early 2024.

The eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be working artists and cultural professionals residing in South Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem Counties). The initiative will prioritize awards to individuals in historically marginalized communities including Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and artists professionals with disabilities.

"New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund’s support is essential to South Jersey’s cultural sector and goes a long way to help SJCA empower local artists." shares Julie Hain, the Executive Director of SJCA. "SJCA is excited to provide a financial boost to South Jersey artists and cultural professionals with these microgrants.  These unrestricted dollars will activate local artists to make sure our cultural communities not only survive, but truly thrive!"

Other South Jersey organizations distributing funds from the NJACRF Phase V grant include Atlantic City Arts Foundation (Atlantic County) and Superior Arts (Camden County).  SJCA will work closely with these organizations to coordinate efforts and ensure an extensive and equal distribution of relief funds across South Jersey.

The South Jersey Cultural Alliance (SJCA), links artists, cultural organizations, and community members with resources that foster community, build business acumen, and create job opportunities in the cultural sector. We champion arts and culture as tools to construct a stronger, more inclusive, thriving South Jersey, committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of background, age, or ability, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of arts and culture.