The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has approved $15 million in grant awards to 39 organizations under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program.
First piloted in Newark and Atlantic City, these awards mark the first announcement since A.R.T. was expanded to include 31 municipalities across New Jersey.
“The A.R.T. program delivers essential grant funding to local arts and cultural organizations for initiatives that boost foot traffic, support small business growth and strengthen the economic resiliency of municipalities most impacted by the pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan.
“These A.R.T. awards will help communities across the state activate public spaces, host events and advance arts-based initiatives that promote long-term growth and vibrancy.”
The A.R.T. Phase II program aims to catalyze community placemaking efforts by leveraging New Jersey’s arts and cultural sector as a force for change, and by supporting non-profit organizations focused on public art installations and arts-based initiatives.
Funded through the American Rescue Plan, A.R.T. Phase II replicates the first phase of the program, which focused on Atlantic City and Newark, by expanding eligibility to municipalities throughout the state.
“Not only do arts nonprofits contribute to the state’s overall economy and employ tens of thousands of people, they also serve as vital anchors in their communities,” said Allison Tratner, executive director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
“These significant A.R.T. grants come at a crucial time for the sector, supporting stability – and that means these organizations are better positioned to successfully deliver both economic and social benefits to individuals and families across New Jersey.”
The following organizations were awarded funding under A.R.T. Phase II:
- Art House Productions (Jersey City): $500,000
- Arts Council of the Morris Area (Dover): $500,000
- Arts Guild New Jersey. (Burlington): $500,000
- Camden FireWorks Incorporated (Camden): $457,800
- Center for Modern Dance Education (Hackensack): $387,405
- coLAB Arts, Inc. (New Brunswick): $500,000
- Educational Arts Team Inc. (Jersey City): $220,068.30
- Frontline Arts (Perth Amboy): $256,506.93
- George Street Playhouse Inc. (New Brunswick): $500,000
- Grand Artistry Inspires (Plainfield): $500,000
- Hackensack Performing Arts Center, Inc. (Hackensack): $500,000
- Healthy People Worldwide (Perth Amboy): $500,000
- James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts (Trenton): $475,475
- Jersey City Theater Center Inc. (Jersey City): $350,000
- Jump for Joi (Jersey City): $307,000
- Literature to Life Inc. (Paterson): $103,912.50
- Luna Stage Company Inc. (Orange): $303,179.71
- Monmouth County Arts Council Inc. (Long Branch): $290,780
- Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center (Dunellen): $500,000
- New Jersey Ballet Company Inc. (Rahway): $225,000
- New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra Inc. (Trenton): $242,777
- New Jersey Repertory Company (Long Branch): $500,000
- New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (Jersey City): $500,000
- Nimbus Dance Works Inc. (Jersey City): $500,000
- Riverview Jazz Org (Jersey City): $500,000
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey (New Brunswick): $500,000
- Symphony in C (Camden): $451,591
- Teen Arts (Asbury Park): $298,829.50
- The Actors Studio of New Jersey (Dunellen): $382,896.88
- The American Graffiti Museum, Inc. (Trenton): $210,161
- The Passage Theatre Company (Trenton): $500,000
- The Princeton Ballet Society (New Brunswick): $129,300
- The State Theatre Regional Arts Center at New Brunswick Inc. (New Brunswick): $102,000
- The Wharton Institute for Performing Arts Inc. (Rahway): $185,454
- The Wooden Walls Mural Project (Asbury Park): $500,000
- Trenton Community A-Team Inc. (Trenton): $408,717
- Union County Arts Center Inc. (Rahway): $497,500
- University of Orange (Orange): $499,354.76
- Word Seed Inc. (Paterson): $266,540
