3 Verona-Cedar Grove Groups Earn Grants From NJ Arts Council

VERONA, NJ — A trio of organizations from Verona and Cedar Grove were among hundreds throughout the state to benefit from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ (NJSCA) latest round of grant funding.

Earlier this week, the NJSCA announced the recipients of more than $15.7 million in grant funding that will support about 700 organizations, projects, and artists throughout the Garden State. (See the full list)

The awardees include the following Verona-Cedar Grove groups:

• ArtsPower (Cedar Grove) - $44,224
• Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs (Verona) - $130,455
• Pushcart Players (Verona) - $28,750

According to a news release from the NJSCA, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports the arts and culture sector contributes $22.1 billion to New Jersey's economy, representing 3.8% of the state's GDP-a larger share than several other industries in the state.

The council receives funding from the state of New Jersey through the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee legislation passed in 2003, which established a dedicated revenue source to support arts, history, and tourism. Additionally, the Arts Council receives annual competitive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Funding decisions are made through a transparent, merit-based, and rigorous grants process that assures access and equity. Independent panels evaluate grant applications to eliminate the possibility for conflict of interest, officials said.

“New Jersey's creative industries play a key role in our success, from the economy and education to wellness and cross-cultural understanding,” Council Chair Elizabeth Mattson said. “The arts provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to engage with one another, and to share ideas and stories that can change lives.”

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