Hunterdon County Commissioner Board awards re-grant funds to arts and cultural non-profits
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Natalie Zaman, Executive Director of the County’s Cultural & Heritage Commission, along with many grant recipients, recently thanked board members for their support in awarding over $125,000 in re-grant state funding for non-profit art and cultural organizations in Hunterdon County.
Each year, local nonprofit organizations and municipalities are invited to apply for funds, through the Local Arts Program (LAP) grant, which assists in the general functioning and maintaining of their operations, increasing program options, and creating tourism opportunities.
The County’s Board of Commissioners awarded the grant to ten local organizations this year.
“Boosting arts and cultural programs enhances opportunities for our residents, to enrich their lives through art, music, and history, and benefits the County’s tourism economy, as these programs serve to attract interest beyond the county’s borders. The county is fortunate to have received a significant grant award from the State Council on the Arts’ Local Arts Program, the majority of which is being re-granted to deserving Hunterdon County programs, as recommended by the County’s Cultural and Heritage Commission,” Board Director Zach Rich said.
Deputy Director Jeff Kuhl, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Commission said, “The Local Arts re-grant program, which for 2023 does not require matching funds from the non-profits that are awarded, allows programs to continue their important work that would otherwise not be sustainable.”
Arts and Cultural Grants recipients and funds awarded include:
- Flemington DIY, $20,750
- NJWomensong, $3,500
- Hunterdon Harmonizers, $20,750
- ShowKids Invitational Theater, Inc., $8,000
- Franklin Theater Works, $7,000
- Acme Screening Room, $13,250
- River Union Stage, $13,250
- Whitehouse Wind Symphony, $4,000
- Raritan River Music, $22,250
- Hunterdon Musical Arts, $12,500
Executive Director Zaman said, “The arts are an important aspect of life in Hunterdon County. They add vitality and joy to our neighborhoods and opportunities for residents and visitors to express themselves. Our many nonprofit arts organizations are part of the foundations of our community and are often at the heart of creative initiatives that make Hunterdon a great place to live, work and visit. Thanks to the Board of County Commissioners, the Local Arts Program grant is one way that we proudly support the work that they do.”
“Grant funding not only creates the opportunity for arts and cultural organizations to continue operating under challenging circumstances, but it enhances the programs that are offered. The Cultural and Heritage Commission, our grants team, and Director Natalie Zaman, are to be commended for their work,” Kuhl said.
