(TRENTON, NJ) -- On July 22nd, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts celebrated six decades of service to artists, arts organizations, and communities across the state at its Annual Meeting, held at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. The event featured special performances by Deborah Mitchell and Omar Edwards, 2026 Arts Council Heritage Fellows.
“For sixty years, the Arts Council has strengthened communities, supported creativity, and helped make our state a vibrant place to live, work and visit,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I am proud to issue a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing this milestone anniversary and the lasting contributions the arts make to New Jersey’s economy, culture, and quality of life.”
The Arts Council also released its FY26 Year in Review, highlighting the agency’s work for the past fiscal year and its growing network of partnerships and initiatives across the state. “The Council continues to demonstrate how our strategic work brings together partners from every sector, extending state resources and serving New Jerseyans better than anyone could alone,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell, who oversees the agency in his role as Secretary of State. “The collaborations uplifted in this year’s review show how partnerships through the arts continue to make a real positive difference in all 21 counties.”
In recognition of the Arts Council’s 60th anniversary, the Council debuted three videos — part of a ten-part series — to recognize the innovative and impactful work arts organizations are doing in their communities. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also celebrating the many ways the Council has been meeting people where they are and the power that art has to touch the lives of everyone around us,” said Council Chair Felicia Grant. “It’s an honor to be part of the Jersey arts story. We are extremely grateful to the Sherrill-Caldwell Administration and the full legislature for their support through the Council as we continue our important work together this next fiscal year.”
The Council announced roughly $30 million in grants to support hundreds of arts organizations, projects, and artists in all corners of the state, with the largest portion of funds going towards operating support for nonprofit organizations. “We know that reliable, flexible support is the most needed right now and the hardest for nonprofits to find,” said Council Executive Director Allison Tratner. “The operating grants approved by the Council today will help arts organizations focus on their missions and effectively deliver on the promises they’ve made to the individuals, families, and communities they serve.”
View the FY27 grants by county | View the FY27 grants by discipline
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.
