Somerset County Awards Local Arts Program Grants to Eleven Organizations

A Total of $61,880 was Awarded

CAPTION FOR PHOTO:

Standing in front of the Somerset County Historical Courthouse in Somerville, Commissioner Melonie Marano, right, presents a ceremonial grant check to James Vagias, co-founder and producing artistic director of the American Theater Group. The $16,000 Local Arts Program grant, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, will help support 2021 artistic productions at the Fellowship Arts and Cultural Center in Basking Ridge.  Also participating in the presentation is Cultural & Heritage Commission Program Coordinator Natalie Zaman.

SOMERVILLE – The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners awarded a total of $61,880 in 2021 Local Arts Program (LAP) grants to 11 organizations.

“The arts are important to society for many reasons, especially this past year when people have been dealing with the pandemic,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano, Cultural & Heritage liaison.  “As a form of human expression, the fine and performing arts stimulate creative thinking, communicate across barriers and have a positive impact on our overall well-being and our economy.”

Funds were awarded for general operating support, special projects and creative placemaking – an evolving field that promotes arts, culture and creativity to serve a community’s interest while also promoting its growth. Grants were approved by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.

The following organizations received LAP grants:

The American Theater Group – $16,000

General operating funds will support the 2021 season of artistic productions housed in the Mitchell and Ann Sieminski Theater at the Fellowship Arts and Cultural Center in Basking Ridge. Programming includes a substantial arts-in-education component that will provide local youth with professional-level education and work experience.

The Arc of Somerset County – $1,500

Special project funding will assist in providing alternative access to music education and advance the organization’s, “Accessing Music Promoting Success” program.

Bernardsville Special Events – $3,500

Creative placemaking funds will be utilized to complete the mural on the Mount Airy Road overpass.

Bound Brook Cultural Arts Committee – $2,750

Special project funding will support visual and performing arts components for Riverfest, an annual free street fair held in downtown Bound Brook.

Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra – $4,000

General operating funds will support CJSO’s 2021 season and local musicians.

Friends of Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead – $9,000

General operating funds will be used for the continuation of arts programming, focusing on virtual programming, outdoor events and expanding the use of the organization’s English Barn.

Raag-Rang – $5,000

Special project funding will support two key programs for 2021 – Kal-Ke-Kalakar (Artists of the Future) and a summer concert and lecture demonstration.

Raritan Valley Community College Arts and Design Department – $3,500.00

Special project funding will support the RVCC MOZAIKA Concert Series.

Raritan Valley Symphonic Band – $3,000.00

General operating support funds will be utilized to produce a series of free virtual performances and public concerts featuring local musicians.

Somerset Valley Players – $7,380

General operating funds will be used to improve the quality of performances.

Ukrainian History and Education Center – $6,250

General operating support funds will allow the UHEC to increase its online offerings and in-person programming through master folk artists and other experts, and provide administrative support.

About the Local Arts Program Grant

The Local Arts Program Grant enables the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) to support local arts development within each of New Jersey’s 21 counties through a competitive grant application process by awarding funds to the designated county arts agencies (CAAs).

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) is the official agency designated in the county to apply for, receive and administer the Local Arts Program Grant program. The grant applications are approved through an independent panel of peers who evaluate and provide recommendations for the allocation of funding. Recommendations are submitted to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission for approval and are approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

For more information, contact the county Cultural & Heritage Commission at CulturalHeritage@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-231-7021.

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