Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/18/2024
(SOMERSET, NJ) -- The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is accepting grant applications for the 2025 Local Arts Program Grant (LAP). The LAP grant supports the expansion and development of the arts within Somerset County and is available to local organizations, such as arts agencies, libraries, non-profits and municipalities that offer art-related services, programs, support and projects.
“The arts play an important role in the lives of many residents and in our economy, as well as add to the beauty that is Somerset,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Commission. “These grants help to support the organizations that provide local artists with different educational tools and creative spaces.”
Grant Guidelines: Grant funding is competitive. Applicants are required to demonstrate their managerial competency, fiscal stability, excellence in arts programming and organizational capacity to execute a proposed program or project.
Grant funding may be requested for art programs, series, or creative placemaking projects that are accessible to the public. If the applicant’s mission is solely arts-dedicated, then grant funding may be requested for general operating support in 2025.
The LAP grant is contingent on funds made available to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 2025. Match requirements have been waived for 2025.
The grant opportunity is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Council on the Arts.
Application Deadline: LAP grant applications are due on Friday, September 13, 2024 by 4:00pm. Applicants must mail or hand-deliver the completed application package to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, County Administration Building, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, New Jersey 08876. For more information and application guidelines, click here.
LAP Grant Virtual Technical Assistance Workshops: Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual workshop to better understand the LAP grant process.
LAP Technical Assistance Zoom Workshops are set for:
* August 15, 2024 at 10:00am
* August 27, 2024 at 6:00pm
To register for a workshop session, visit http://bit.ly/LAPGrant. A Zoom link will be sent to participants upon registration.
To stay up-to-date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular Schedule and Parking Logistics
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative have released parking, transportation, and event information for Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular, taking place Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park.
Trenton to Celebrate Nation's 250th Birthday with "Heritage Week" Events
(TRENTON, NJ) -- New Jersey's capital city is preparing a monumental celebration to mark America's 250th Birthday, and everyone is invited. "Heritage Week", running from July 3-8, 2026, will feature a multi-cultural parade beginning 11:30am on July 4th with over 50 marching units, including 4 marching bands and 10 floats, as well as circus performers, antique cars and representations of the many cultures and ethnic groups which make up the Trenton community.
SOPAC presents Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much? on July 16th
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stewart Copeland brings his first American spoken-word tour (Have I Said Too Much?) to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Copeland is the founding drummer of The Police and one of rock's most inventive forces.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
