New Jersey State Arts Council Awards Over $1.7 Million to Local Artists

Historic Funding Boost to Support the Largest Cohort of Artist Fellows in Three Decades

TRENTON, NJ - In a landmark move, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts announced the awarding of just over $1.7 million in grants to 161 artists across the state during its inaugural public meeting of 2024. This substantial allocation stems from a decision made in 2022 to invest an unprecedented $2 million into the Individual Artist Fellowship program, underscoring a significant commitment to nurturing artistic talent within New Jersey.

The 2024 Fellowship awards mark the most considerable expansion in the program's history, reflecting over 30 years of support towards fostering the arts. These competitive fellowships are awarded across 12 rotating disciplines, including digital/electronic arts, film/video, interdisciplinary practices, painting, printmaking/drawing/book arts, and prose. Selections are made through an anonymous, peer-reviewed process that emphasizes artistic quality, allowing recipients to use the funds to create new work and further their artistic careers.

This initiative is a collaborative effort with Mid Atlantic Arts, aiming to bolster the state's vibrant artist community. The full list of Fellowship and Finalist Award recipients for 2024 highlights the diverse and rich talent pool within New Jersey.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, in her role overseeing the Council, praised the enduring creativity of the state's artists. "Artists bring together communities, provoking emotion and thought, and impacting our everyday lives," Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way remarked.

Elizabeth Mattson, Chair of the Council, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the critical role artists play within the broader arts industry. “Artists are at the heart of everything we do – not only as an agency, but as an industry. Just as arts organizations are always in need of operating funds, these awards allow artists more freedom and flexibility to focus on creating and sharing their work," Mattson stated.

This funding initiative represents a pivotal moment for the arts in New Jersey, providing unprecedented support to individual artists and reinforcing the state's dedication to cultivating and celebrating artistic excellence.