NEA Chairman Visits Trenton to Mark State Arts Council's 50th

Jane Chu, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, concluded a two-day visitto the Garden State celebrating the golden anniversary of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The event was held in the historic Assembly Chamber of the New Jersey State House, where the legislation establishing the State Arts Council was signed 50 years ago this week.

"Congratulations to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts on this wonderful milestone," said Chairman Chu. "In supporting artists and arts organizations throughout the state for the past 50 years, they have in turn strengthened all other aspects of New Jersey life, from the economy and education to health and community vitality."

The Council's Annual Meeting and Anniversary Celebration attracted hundreds of arts leaders. Along with many notable attendees and dignitaries, New Jersey's Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno joined the celebration to share her support for the state's Council on the Arts.

"This Administration firmly believes that the arts industry has played a critical role in shaping the New Jersey we all know and love today," said Lt. Governor Guadagno. "We remain resolutely committed to preserving New Jersey's status as a national leader in public support for the arts."

During the meeting the Council awarded over $15.7 million in Fiscal Year 2017 grants to more than 200 arts organizations and artists statewide, an investment that will reach into every New Jersey County. Additionally, the Council showcased several testimonials from New Jerseyans positively impacted by the arts, and premiered a short film about the Council which featured

Governor Tom Kean, Tony Award-Winner Jane Krakowski and U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, among others. The meeting wrapped with a live performance by Rahway native - and star of the recent NBC Live production of The Wiz - Shanice Williams.

Arts Council Chair Elizabeth Mattson stated, "Our predecessors on this Council had big dreams and they established the foundation for the incredible work we get to do today in support of this remarkable arts community. A lot has certainly changed in 50 years, but the values that guide us - excellence, integrity, accountability - all that remains the same. We look forward to many more years of dreaming big."

Watch the film There's Something About New Jersey.

View a list of FY17 grants by county.
View a list of FY17 grants by category/discipline.
View a list of grantees honored with FY17 Citations or designated as Majors.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is a division of the New Jersey Department of State. It receives funding in direct appropriations from the State of New Jersey through a dedicated Hotel/Motel Occupancy fee and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Since 1966, its volunteer members and professional staff have worked to improve the quality of life in New Jersey through strategic support for the arts. To learn more about the State Arts Council please visit www.artscouncil.nj.gov.

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