Economic Development
On May 17, 2024
At yesterday’s Annual Conference of Mayors Luncheon in Atlantic City, Gov. Phil Murphy announced a second round of strategic investments in commuter hub cities to spur economic growth in the wake of the pandemic by invigorating arts and culture. Under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, recently approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board, grants aimed at making new and impactful investments are being provided for projects located in 31 commercial corridor municipalities spanning 12 counties throughout the state. For a complete list of eligible municipalities and other eligibility requirements, click here.
“Piloted in Newark and Atlantic City, the A.R.T program provides necessary grant funding to local arts and cultural organizations for initiatives that increase foot-traffic, spur small business growth, and ensure the economic resiliency of municipalities most impacted by the pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey continues to make major investments in our downtowns and main streets. Through the A.R.T expansion, neighborhoods and communities across the state will be able to access funding to support activations and events that promote their long-term growth and success.”
The A.R.T. Phase II program aims to catalyze community placemaking efforts by leveraging New Jersey’s arts and cultural sector as a creative force for change and supporting non-profit organizations focused on creating placemaking projects, public art installations, and arts-based activities and initiatives. With $15 million in funding, the NJEDA will award grants from $100,000 to $500,000.
Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19) status are eligible to apply. Projects eligible for funding include placemaking projects, public art installations, arts-based projects, art exhibitions, performances, festivals, parades, concerts or concert series, film and video screenings, and cultural programming. Projects must take place within 1.5 miles of an eligible municipality’s passenger rail station.
Applications for the A.R.T. program are expected to open later this summer. The NJEDA is planning both virtual and in-person information sessions for parties interested in learning more about the program. The first virtual session will be held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Click here to register for the webinar. Click here to view upcoming events.
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