South Orange Area Arts Get More Than $50K In Grants

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — More than $50,000 of grant money from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts has been given to the South Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs and the South Orange Performing Arts Center to help fund ongoing activities.

South Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs received $9,433 in funds for "general operating support" and the South Orange Performing Arts Center received $43,538 for "general operating support as well. Overall, the Council awarded $15.7 million in grants to 700 arts organizations across the state.

"It is an honor to lead a department that invests in the people of New Jersey in such diverse and meaningful ways," said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. "Grants through the State Arts Council have a direct positive impact on New Jersey residents, families and communities. The return on the investment is undeniable, and we are grateful to today's award winners for the important work they do."

The arts are an economic driver in the state: 3.8 percent of New Jersey's GDP comes from the arts. The Council receives funding from the State of New Jersey through the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee legislation passed in 2003, which established a dedicated revenue source to support arts, history, and tourism. Additionally, the Arts Council receives annual competitive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Additionally, the The Council honors New Jersey arts organizations, programs and projects that receive the highest possible assessment of their Council grant applications by esteemed, independent panels of their peers with a Citation of Excellence. South Orange Performing Arts Center made that list for this year.

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