The New Jersey State Council on the Arts awarded over $30 million in grants to support approximately 900 arts organizations, projects, and artists across the state. The grants were approved at the Council’s 58th Annual Meeting in Trenton, which featured a special musical performance by Hector Morales, a 2024 Arts Council Heritage Fellow.
State funding for the Arts Council is sourced from revenue generated through the State’s Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee and supports arts activities in all 21 counties. These funds are intended to strengthen communities and address issues such as quality education, health and wellness, thriving economies, and cross-cultural understanding.
“The investment made in our state’s artists and organizations has a direct, positive impact on New Jersey residents, families, businesses, and communities,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “It’s an honor to work closely with the Council to help our state’s creative industries thrive and ensure New Jersey’s diverse constituencies can access the many benefits of the arts.”
As New Jersey’s largest funder of the arts, most of the Council’s grants provide multiyear, flexible support to help organizations cover basic operations. Council Executive Director Allison Tratner noted that “over $20 million dollars in operating support was approved,” marking significant progress for both the Council and its sector. She expressed gratitude to the Murphy Administration for its ongoing support of New Jersey’s arts community.
Additionally, Felicia Grant was named as the new Board Chair of the Council, succeeding Elizabeth Mattson who served since July 2012. Grant previously served as the Council’s 2nd Vice Chair. “I humbly welcome the opportunity to lead the Council in this exciting new chapter,” said Grant. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members and our dedicated staff to help build a better New Jersey through the arts.”
The meeting also included a Year In Review for Fiscal Year 2024, highlighting last year’s grant programs’ impact on artists, arts workers, and organizations throughout New Jersey.
