Grunin Center Nominated In 2020 JerseyArts.com Awards

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (January 24, 2020) — The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, located on the campus of Ocean County College, is pleased to announce its nomination for Favorite Small Performing Arts Center in the 2020 JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards. Now in its 12th year, the annual awards program, run by Discover Jersey Arts, pays tribute to the work of New Jersey’s vital, vibrant, and diverse arts organizations. With the ballots now prepped, it’s time for arts lovers across the state to vote for their favorite local arts organizations.

“The Grunin Center is incredibly grateful for this nomination as Favorite Small Performing Arts Center,” said Mark Wilson, Executive Director, Cultural Programs and Partnerships, at the center. “We’re honored to be recognized by our fellow colleagues, and to be a part of such a strong arts community that drives one another to thrive. We hope our patrons will also support us by voting in this year’s Awards.”

The Grunin Center and the other contenders in the 2020 People’s Choice Awards were nominated by their peers through the Jersey Arts Marketers network, which is made up of hundreds of arts groups across the state. Now, 11 arts districts and 106 organizations will compete in 19 categories, including favorite music festival, art gallery, small theatre, ballet company, and more.

“These awards highlight not only the excellence in the arts statewide, but also the passion of our state’s arts audiences,” said Allison Tratner, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. “Thousands of New Jersey arts fans speak up in support of the diverse arts organizations and artists that help shape their lives, their communities, and make New Jersey a distinctive place to live, work, and visit.”

Public voting began January 9 at noon and runs through February 20, 2020 at www.JerseyArts.com/Vote. Last year, nearly 14,000 ballots were cast, and even more are expected this year.

“New Jerseyans love the arts. The JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards is a great opportunity to go out and vote for your favorite Garden State cultural experience,” said Adam Perle, President
& CEO of ArtPride New Jersey, which cosponsors the Discover Jersey Arts program with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. “Show your passion for the extraordinary arts we have across the entire state by voting today. And, don't forget to tell your friends to do the same!”

For a full list of nominees and categories, please visit www.JerseyArts.com/Vote.

About the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts

The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, located on the campus of Ocean County College, is a performing arts center dedicated to providing art and entertainment to Ocean County and the Jersey Shore. Featuring premiere acts from across the globe, the Grunin Center’s intimate venue allows patrons to experience once-in-a-lifetime from venerated artists, hometown musicians, and unique entertainers. Music performances of all genres, theatre, film, and dance make their way to the Grunin Center stage each season. The Grunin Center is also the home to young performers from various educational performing arts organizations, including Ocean County College students from the performing arts and fine arts programs, and the Ocean County and NJ State Teen Arts Festivals. Our Art Gallery highlights local artists by displaying several collections throughout the year. Additionally, the Garden State Philharmonic is the Orchestra-in-Residence. For more information, visit grunincenter.org.

About JerseyArts.com and Discover Jersey Arts

JerseyArts.com is the official website of Discover Jersey Arts, a cosponsored project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation dedicated to increasing the awareness of and participation in the arts in New Jersey. The site features a comprehensive cultural events calendar and arts directory; feature stories, podcasts and videos in the Culture Vultures Arts Weekly and Jersey Arts Podcast; details on Jersey Arts Membership, including discounts and exclusive member events; and other content about the state’s cultural community.