(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins the Office of Cultural Affairs to announce the latest boost to the city’s growing arts community, awarding more than $1 million in much-needed funding to 78 local artists and arts organizations through the third round of grants from the Arts and Culture Trust Fund.
To date, nearly 300 Arts and Culture Trust Fund grants have been distributed, totaling $3 million. The grants, designed to support and nurture local artistic talent, are being awarded to a diverse group of artists and cultural organizations, including: 44 program grants, 13 arts education grants, 21 general operating grants, and 20 individual artist fellowships (Jersey City Arts Council).
“The fact that we have allocated over $3 million in less than two years speaks to the fact that the Arts and Culture Trust Fund we implemented in 2020 is working as intended, providing critical funding to support our talented artists and organizations who contribute so much to the vitality and diversity of our city," said Mayor Fulop. "By investing in our vibrant arts community, we are significantly boosting the local economy and community engagement within Jersey City.”
Arts and culture organizations accounted for $13.5 million in spending in 2022, with an additional $32.4 million in event-related expenditures by their audiences, according to the most recent nationwide study by Americans for the Arts. The study also states that in Jersey City, arts and culture economic activity supported 532 jobs, provided residents $28.2 million in personal income, and generated $7.1 million in tax revenue for local, state, and federal governments.
The Arts and Culture Trust Fund, established by the City of Jersey City in 2020, aims to provide financial support to artists and cultural organizations to create, produce, and present artistic projects. These grants represent a significant investment in the creative talents of Jersey City and underscore the city's commitment to fostering a thriving arts scene for residents and visitors alike.
“These grants provide a lifeline for so many of our local artists where little existed before,” added Christine Goodman, Director of Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “These funds will continue to support arts and culture programs with classes and events across all wards of Jersey City for everyone to enjoy.”
Among the talented individuals and organizations selected for funding are musicians, dancers, filmmakers, and community arts initiatives. As decided by the Arts and Culture Trust Fund Committee, each grant recipient demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and a commitment to enriching Jersey City's cultural landscape.
As Director of JC Print Room, Bruno Nadalin credits the Arts and Culture Trust Fund grant for providing the means to broaden education initiatives and make printmaking accessible to Jersey City residents. “Through the grant, we expanded our educational programming by offering free and low-cost workshops and purchased needed equipment and supplies. Grant funds enabled us to hold our Direct Public Benefit of a free printmaking event in Hamilton Park, where residents were invited to make their own prints and tote bags. We held similar free events in Greenville and free workshops at our studio, all thanks to the grant funds. The grant was indispensable to the fulfillment of our organization's mission.”
For a full list of the grant awards, please visit the Cultural Affairs website here.
