Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/27/2026
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Jersey City Arts Council, in partnership with Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs, has announced the twenty recipients of the 2026 Individual Artist Fellowship Program. This year's fellows represent a dynamic cross-section of Jersey City's creative community, spanning disciplines including visual arts, music, dance, folk arts, culinary arts, digital media, and arts education.
With nearly 200 applications submitted—the largest response since the establishment of the Jersey City Arts & Culture Trust Fund—the 2026 Individual Artist Fellowship program underscores both the remarkable strength of Jersey City’s creative community and the growing need for sustained investment in individual artists.
The Individual Artist Fellowship program provides unrestricted grants to Jersey City artists who are actively pursuing careers in the arts and contributing to the cultural life of the community. The program recognizes artistic excellence, creative impact, and meaningful community engagement.
“Each year, these grants help spark new ideas, expand access to the arts, and create meaningful opportunities for artists and residents alike,” said Christine Goodman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We are proud to partner with the Jersey City Arts Council to help create and expand opportunities for artists across our community. Our creative community plays a vital role in shaping Jersey City’s identity and future, and investing in artists is an investment in the strength and vibrancy of our city.”
“The Individual Artist Fellowship reflects the extraordinary depth of talent that exists throughout Jersey City,” said Deonté Griffin-Quick, Executive Director of the Jersey City Arts Council. “By investing directly in artists, we are helping ensure that creativity continues to thrive in every neighborhood, while strengthening the cultural fabric that makes Jersey City such a vibrant and inspiring place.”
2026 Individual Artist Fellowship Recipients
* Luna Alago, Digital Media & Video
* Reniqua Allen-Lamphere, Digital Media & Video
* Cheyne Ali Anderson, Visual & Fine Arts
* Millicent Ansah, Performing Arts
* Lisa Marie Basile, Visual & Fine Arts
* Victor Bell, Folk Arts
* Ishita Bhattacharya, Dance
* Gianluca Bianchino, Visual & Fine Arts
* Gail-Marie Boykewich, Visual & Fine Arts
* Marquis Chandler, Music
* PinHsin Chu, Art & Culture Education
* Eileen Ferara, Visual & Fine Arts
* Ben Fine, Visual & Fine Arts
* John Hebert, Music
* Victoria Martinez, Visual & Fine Arts
* Sarah Mueller, Visual & Fine Arts
* Luis Emilio Romero, Visual & Fine Arts
* Lucy Rovetto, Visual & Fine Arts
* Elizabeth Tokoly, Crafts
* Stephan Verwayne-Mullen, Culinary Arts
Jersey City Arts Council exists to protect, promote, and strengthen the arts in Jersey City. They believe the arts are essential to the city’s cultural vitality, economic growth, and civic life, and they work to ensure that artists and cultural organizations—especially those historically underrecognized—have the resources, visibility, and support they need to thrive.
Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs supports and celebrates the diverse community and rich heritage of Jersey City. The Office of Cultural Affairs is a proponent and advocate for the arts in Jersey City, providing opportunities, resources, and education for artists of all disciplines.
The Arts and Culture Trust Fund, established by the City of Jersey City in 2020, aims to provide financial support to artists and organizations to create, produce, and present cultural programming. 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.
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