| Photo by Spencer Crow on Unsplash
JERSEY CITY, NJ – The fourth round of Arts & Culture Trust Fund Grants awards over $1 million to 112 artists, organizations, and arts education initiatives. This funding supports programming, arts education, operating costs, and fellowships, helping Jersey City’s creative scene thrive.
Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Office of Cultural Affairs launched this initiative to prioritize citywide equity, opportunity, and cultural vitality. Since its inception in 2020, nearly 400 grants worth over $4 million have been awarded.
Applications for this round were accepted until February 18, 2025, with grants categorized into Program Grants, Arts Education Grants, General Operating Grants, and Individual Artist Fellowships.
Following a thorough application review process by an independent review panel, 112 grants are being awarded, totaling more than $1.1 million in four categories:
Programming – 56 grants totaling $436,781
Arts Education – 15 grants totaling $124,838
Operating – 21 grants totaling $455,850
Fellowship – 20 grants totaling $100,000
“This round of grant funding not only marks our largest to date, but it also builds on our promise to prioritize equity, opportunity, and cultural vitality citywide,” said Fulop. “In just 5 years, we’ve awarded nearly 400 grants worth over $4 million to support Jersey City artists and arts organizations.”
The nationwide Americans for the Arts study highlights the significant economic and social impact of Jersey City’s arts and culture sector. According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, Jersey City’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $46 million in economic activity in 2022, supported more than 530 jobs, and brought in $7 million in tax revenues. This study underscores the Fulop Administration’s commitment to expanding arts funding and cultural initiatives, including major projects like the Loew’s Theatre restoration and Centre Pompidou x Jersey City.
The findings impact future funding by strengthening the case for continued and expanded funding for local arts and organizations. They also help advocate for arts-friendly policies and ensure long-term sustainability. With proven economic benefits, Jersey City can attract more partnerships and sponsorships to support cultural initiatives.
“Every year we see how these grants open doors for transformative projects and lifelong learning opportunities,” said Christine Goodman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “Our artists inspire, challenge, and connect us. Investing in them is investing in the future of Jersey City.”
Jersey City Artist Brian Fraser is one of the latest program grant recipients. “Receiving this grant affirms the importance of community-centered storytelling in Jersey City. Through ‘Area of Refuge’, we’re creating space for residents to document their neighborhoods, histories, and daily lives amid rapid change,” Fraser said. “This support allows us to deepen that work and ensure more voices are seen and heard.”
Jersey City Arts Council president Amy Elise Delong said applications came from all six wards, representing artists of many disciplines. “The caliber of the work samples, demonstrations of community impact and engagement, and creative ideas for direct public benefits were inspiring,” she said.
Twenty artists are receiving the Individual Artist Fellowship grants from the Arts and Culture Trust Fund
This year’s application process prioritized accessibility by ensuring every eligible artist and organization had the tools to apply, such as:
- Pre-recorded tutorials and step-by-step webinars.
- In-person and virtual info sessions across all city wards.
- Free computer access and extended time at JCFPL branches.
- Applications and resources were available in multiple languages.
- Captioned videos and ASL-interpreted training sessions.
The Arts & Culture Trust Fund Grants in Jersey City were established in 2020, making Jersey City the first municipality to create a dedicated tax to support the arts. Since then, the initiative has awarded millions in funding to local artists and organizations.
The grants are sourced through a voter-approved tax, ensuring consistent financial support for the city’s creative community. This funding is distributed across four categories: Programming Grants, Arts Education Grants, General Operating Grants, and Individual Artist Fellowships.
The Arts & Culture Trust Fund Grants in Jersey City have supported a wide range of creative projects, including:
- “Area of Refuge” by Brian Fraser – A community-centered storytelling initiative documenting Jersey City’s neighborhoods, histories, and daily lives amid rapid change.
- Public Art Installations – Murals and sculptures enhancing public spaces across the city.
- Arts Education Programs – Workshops and classes for youth and adults, fostering artistic skills and cultural engagement.
- Performing Arts Productions – Theater performances, dance showcases, and live music events celebrating local talent.
These grants empower artists and organizations to create meaningful cultural experiences for the community.
Among the grant recipients are local musicians, visual artists, dance companies, youth-focused nonprofits, and cultural institutions spanning every neighborhood. Individual artists received unrestricted fellowship grants — administered in partnership with the Jersey City Arts Council — to continue developing innovative and impactful work that reflects Jersey City’s rich cultural diversity.
