The City of Jersey City awarded 78 local artists a total of $1 million through their Arts and Culture Trust Fund, the third round of grants distributed overall.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The fact that we have allocated over $3 million in less than two years speaks to the fact that the Arts and Culture Trust Fund we implemented in 2020 is working as intended, providing critical funding to support our talented artists and organizations who contribute so much to the vitality and diversity of our city,” Fulop said in a statement.
“By investing in our vibrant arts community, we are significantly boosting the local economy and community engagement within Jersey City.”
Arts and culture organizations accounted for $13.5 million in spending in 2022, with an additional $32.4 million in event-related expenditures by their audiences, according to the most recent nationwide study by Americans for the Arts.
The study also states that in Jersey City, arts and culture economic activity supported 532 jobs, provided residents $28.2 million in personal income, and generated $7.1 million in tax revenue for local, state, and federal governments.
The Arts and Culture Trust Fund, established by the City of Jersey City in 2020, aims to provide financial support to artists and cultural organizations to create, produce, and present artistic projects.
“These grants provide a lifeline for so many of our local artists where little existed before,” Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs Director Christine Goodman.
“These funds will continue to support arts and culture programs with classes and events across all wards of Jersey City for everyone to enjoy.”
Among the talented individuals and organizations selected for funding are musicians, dancers, filmmakers, and community arts initiatives.
As decided by the Arts and Culture Trust Fund Committee, each grant recipient demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and a commitment to enriching Jersey City’s cultural landscape.
“Through the grant, we expanded our educational programming by offering free and low-cost workshops and purchased needed equipment and supplies. Grant funds enabled us to hold our Direct Public Benefit of a free printmaking event in Hamilton Park, where residents were invited to make their own prints and tote bags,” Director of JC Print Room Bruno Nadalin.
“We held similar free events in Greenville and free workshops at our studio, all thanks to the grant funds. The grant was indispensable to the fulfillment of our organization’s mission.”
The full list of grant recipients can be viewed here.
