NJEDA awards $15M in grants to 39 arts and cultural organizations under expanded A.R.T. program
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has approved $15 million in grants to 39 arts and cultural organizations through Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, expanding statewide a pilot initiative first launched in Newark and Atlantic City.
“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. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is continuing to make significant investments in our downtowns and main streets. 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.”
Funded through the American Rescue Plan, A.R.T. Phase II supports nonprofit arts and cultural groups undertaking public art installations, creative placemaking, and community revitalization efforts. The expansion opened eligibility to organizations located in 31 municipalities across New Jersey.
“Today marks a major milestone in the NJEDA’s mission to bolster the arts and culture sector, which boasts a rich legacy in New Jersey and serves as an economic powerhouse for local communities across the state,” said Tai Cooper, NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer. “The funding announced today continues Governor Murphy’s efforts to leverage the sector as a creative force for change… ensuring it has the tools needed to drive their organizations forward and cultivate economic prosperity, while improving the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.”
Allison Tratner, executive director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, said the funding will help stabilize arts nonprofits and strengthen their role in local economies.
“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. 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.”
Grant Recipients
Thirty-nine organizations across the state received awards, including Art House Productions in Jersey City, the Arts Council of the Morris Area in Dover, George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, Hackensack Performing Arts Center, New Jersey Ballet Company in Rahway, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in Jersey City, Passage Theatre Company in Trenton, the Wooden Walls Mural Project in Asbury Park, and many others. Grants range from just over $100,000 to the maximum award of $500,000.
The full list of awardees includes organizations in Hudson, Morris, Burlington, Camden, Bergen, Middlesex, Union, Mercer, Passaic, Essex and Monmouth counties.
About A.R.T. and Related Programs
A.R.T. Phase II builds on the initial success of projects in Newark and Atlantic City, where arts-driven streetscape improvements and public programming supported pandemic recovery. The program is part of a broader NJEDA effort to strengthen New Jersey’s arts sector, which also includes the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) program, offering tax credits for major capital improvements at arts venues. The first CAFE awards were announced in November 2025.
The A.R.T. Phase II program is endorsed by the All Copays Count Coalition, a network of nearly 90 national patient and provider advocacy organizations.
More information on NJEDA arts and culture programs is available at njeda.com.
