Reflecting
After wrapping up its fourth year, the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund (NJACRF) continues to address critical funding gaps experienced by smaller cultural organizations in New Jersey. The Fund offers much-needed grant dollars for many of the state’s smaller nonprofit organizations in the arts, culture, and historical sectors.
Supporting Arts and Culture in New Jersey
In 2024, the Fund continued to expand its reach and efforts to connect artists, arts administrators, history professionals, and community stakeholders across New Jersey, reaching the following milestones:
- 3 convenings in 2024
- 220 grant recipients to date
- $1.2 million granted in 2024
- $10+ million granted to date
“The arts, culture and history sectors are dynamic, resilient, and ever evolving,” said Sharnita C. Johnson, Vice President of Strategy, Impact and Communications at the Victoria Foundation and Board President of the Fund. “The NJACRF has become a critical resource to the sector. I’m excited about the opportunities to expand the Fund’s reach, further refine our offerings to constituents, and engage new partners.”
It’s important to remember that beyond the arts, the Fund is intentional about supporting organizations that focus on history, as it has since its inception. Arts and history are inter-related, and together, they form the basis for creating opportunities for broader cultural understanding as we celebrate the rich and vibrant cultural landscape of NJ.
Part of this landscape is NJACRF grantee Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), in the Skillman section of Montgomery, NJ. Catherine Fulmer-Hogan, Board President of SSAAM, said, “Our work gives voice to individuals who were relegated to the margins, by unearthing, preserving, and sharing their stories with the broader community. This work is essential if we are to imagine and advance a more just and equitable future.”
Community Through Convenings
In 2024, in addition to granting more than $1.2 million to support arts and culture organizations, the Fund proudly facilitated three convenings across the Garden State.
“Looking back, one can see that the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund does much more than provide grants to the arts and culture sector,” said Jeremy Grunin, President of the
Grunin Foundation and NJACRF Board Treasurer. “We are building community through cultural convenings—sharing our personal culture, resources, impactful stories, and our love of the arts. While funding is extremely crucial, being able to come together with those we don’t always get to see outside of sending emails or sitting on Zooms strengthens our unity, dedication, and efforts to keep the arts and culture alive in our communities.”
The Fund’s community convenings brought together artists, cultural leaders, and community partners at three locations across New Jersey: Grounds for Sculpture, the Newark Museum of Art, and the Camden County Historical Society. In addition to the Fund’s in-person events, they hosted a virtual convening covering topics on race, community, culture, and equitable practice. Each gathering offered space for connection, conversation, and collaboration—with panel discussions, focus groups, and peer-to-peer learning. The convenings celebrated the vibrant arts community across the state and the shared commitment to its growth and revitalization.
One participant spoke about the impact of convening with those in the arts community, saying, “Convening with the field allows conversations to take place more organically. It is great to reconnect and learn about what our colleagues are working on, find ways to cross-pollinate and look for collaborative opportunities.”
Participation in the Governor’s Conference
In September, arts and culture had a seat at the table at the New Jersey Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development. During the two-day conference, Tai Cooper, NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer, moderated “Arts and Culture Driven Economic Development.” The Renewal Fund’s Executive Director, Lynne Toye, participated in this meaningful panel discussion which covered the role of arts and culture in economic revitalization. The 2024 conference marked the first time this topic has been covered at the Governor’s Conference.
Stepping into a New Future
The NJACRF also received its 501(c)(3) status, marking a significant milestone in its journey. In securing this designation, the Fund can now accept tax-deductible donations and grants, which opens new opportunities to support its mission and expand its impact.
