Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/04/2025
The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is accepting grant applications for the 2026 Local Arts Program (LAP). The deadline is Friday, September 12, 2025 at 4:00pm.
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, nonprofits, and municipalities that offer art-related projects, programs, services, and development.
“This grant supports the creative programs that local artists and organizations are seeking to develop and maintain in our communities,” said Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. “In 2025, $200,000 was awarded for special projects and initiatives across Somerset County. The arts are an important part of our communities, and many residents have benefited from the creative spaces, art exhibits, and educational workshops that come from these grants.”
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 2026.
The LAP grant for 2026 is contingent on funds made available to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. There is a match requirement for Special Project and Creative Placemaking grants. There is no match required for general operating support grants.
Application Deadline - LAP grant applications are due by 4:00pm on Friday, September 12, 2025. 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, visit http://bit.ly/LAPGrant.
LAP Grant Virtual Technical Assistance Workshop - Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual workshop to better understand the LAP grant process and guidelines.
The LAP Technical Assistance Zoom Workshop is set for August 19, 2025 at 6:00pm. To register for a workshop session, visit http://bit.ly/LAPGrant. A Zoom link will be sent to participants upon registration.
For more information, contact the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission office at (908) 231-7021 or [email protected].
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.
EVENT PREVIEWS
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
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.
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(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
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.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
North to Shore Festival Returns with Hundreds of Free Events Across Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City
The North to Shore Festival is back for its fourth summer, lighting up New Jersey with hundreds of free events spanning Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City. Alongside a roster of big-name concerts featuring superstar artists, the festival offers an array of community gatherings, pop-up performances, and unique collaborations that celebrate local talent and the arts.
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
