(TRENTON, NJ) -- The New Jersey State Council on the Arts held its first public meeting of 2026 on February 10th, where $2 million was awarded to 198 New Jersey artists through the Council's Individual Artist Fellowship program. In 2022, the Council voted to authorize an unprecedented investment of $2 million in the Fellowship program, and this continued commitment to funding makes these significant awards to New Jersey artists possible once a year.
The Individual Artist Fellowships - carried out in partnership with Mid Atlantic Arts - are competitive awards to New Jersey artists, in 13 rotating disciplines, granted solely on independent peer panel assessment of work samples. The anonymous process is focused on artistic quality, and awards may be used to help artists produce new work and advance their careers. This year, 893 New Jersey artists applied for awards in the categories of Film/Video, Digital/Electronic, Interdisciplinary, Painting, Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts, and Prose.
Click here to download the complete list of 2026 Fellowship and Finalist Award recipients.
“It’s energizing to start my work with the Council by providing vital support and recognition for these amazing New Jersey artists,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell, who oversees the State Arts Council in his capacity as Secretary of State. “Thousands of artists choose to live and work here in New Jersey, inspiring us all through their presence as change agents, teachers, healers, and connectors.”
“The incredible need for this program is evidenced by the significant growth we’ve seen in recent years,” said Allison Tratner, Executive Director at the State Arts Council, referring to the increased number of applications. “Each Fellowship award makes such a positive difference in an artist’s life, helping to strengthen their careers and in turn bolstering our creative industries. Playing a part in that process is not only gratifying but important in so many ways.”
In addition to the announcement of this year’s Individual Artist Fellowship awards, the Council welcomed two new members, Vedra Chandler and Robin Gurin.
Speaking on these new appointments, Arts Council Chair Felicia Grant remarked, "We are thrilled to welcome Vedra Chandler and Robin Gurin, who both bring unique and extensive experience to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. We know that their insight and passion for the arts in the Garden State will be invaluable as the Council continues to serve communities across New Jersey.”
Speaking to her appointment on the Council, Vedra Chandler said, “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. As a proud Camden city resident and advocate for South Jersey, I believe deeply in the Council’s mission to ensure the arts are accessible, equitable, and supported statewide. The arts are powerful drivers of social change and economic opportunity - especially in communities that have long been underinvested and I look forward to working with the Council to support artists and arts organizations that strengthen communities across New Jersey.”
New Council Member Robin Gurin remarked, “I am over the moon to be joining the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The Council is a national leader not only for groundbreaking initiatives but also state funding for the arts, and I can't wait to jump in and contribute to this organization and our state's amazing arts community.”
Last month, the Council announced the release of the inaugural issue of its Artist Fellowship Catalog, featuring the 2025 Fellows. This year’s cohort of Fellows will be featured in the 2026 catalog, which is scheduled to be released later this summer.
The New Jersey State Council on 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.
