(For Immediate Release – Somerset County): In 2025, a total of $200,000 in grant funds were awarded to 17 creative organizations in Somerset County through the Local Arts Program (LAP). The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is currently accepting applications for the 2026 LAP grant round.  Applications for 2026 LAP grants must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025.

The LAP grant, which is funded through a partnership between the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, supports local arts organizations providing art programs, services, and development within Somerset County.

“Since 2021, over $840,000 in grants have been awarded to art organizations to support the creation of accessible and innovative programs that enable local artists to thrive in creative spaces,” said Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. “The LAP grant is a valuable resource that directly helps organizations with operating expenses, event funding, and project development. I greatly encourage residents to head out and discover the artistic talent and amazing shows that exist in Somerset County’s art scene.”

Learn More About The 2025 LAP Grant Recipients

Adult Day Center, located in Bridgewater, was awarded $6,350 to support their “Works of the Heart” series, which offers members and caregivers expressive art and music-making sessions. Learn more here: https://adultdaycenter.org/.

American Theater Group, located in Bernards, was awarded $19,000 to connect Somerset County residents to quality theatrical performances featuring diverse, local playwrights. Learn more here: https://www.americantheatergroup.org/.

Bernards Township Park & Recreation, located in Bernards, was awarded $7,000 to support the 38th season of its Plays in the Park Program. Learn more here: https://bernards.org/departments/recreation.

Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership, located in Bound Brook, was awarded $11,000 to support programming enhancements for the 2025 RiverFest. Learn more here: https://boundbrook-nj.org/art/.

Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange, located in Bridgewater, was awarded $8,000 to support the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival and additional programming highlighting Chinese culture. Learn more here: cccenj.org.

Friends of the Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead, located in Bernards, were awarded $30,000 to support community arts programs such as concerts, art exhibitions, special events, and art education. Learn more here: https://farmsteadarts.org/.

Light Opera of New Jersey, located in Bernards, was awarded $16,000 for artistic expenses associated with upcoming productions and cultural offerings. Learn more here: https://lightoperaofnewjersey.org/.

Music in the Somerset Hills, located in Bernardsville, was awarded $19,000 to expand outreach initiatives and concert and educational music experiences in the community. Learn more here: https://www.musicsh.org/.

New Jersey Arts Incubator, located in Montgomery, was awarded $11,000 to support Central New Jersey’s rich rural agricultural history through a Barn Quilt Trail public art project. Learn more here: https://njartsincubator.org/.

The New School for Music Study, located in Kingston, was awarded $6,300 to produce a Silent Film Celebration showcasing classic silent films with music performed by local piano students of all ages and levels. Learn more here: https://www.nsmspiano.org/.

Raag-Rang, located in Bridgewater, was awarded $5,000 to support musical performances that increase local awareness of Hindustani classical music. Learn more here: https://www.vibrnz.com/org/raag-rang.

Raritan Valley Choral Society, located in Hillsborough, was awarded $2,000 to facilitate collaboration between upcoming artists and professional vocalists for quality community concerts. Learn more here: https://www.raritanvalleychorus.org/.

Raritan Valley Symphonic Band, located in Hillsborough, was awarded $5,000 to provide the Somerset County community with quality concerts and educational programs. Learn more here: https://www.rvsb.org/.

Somerset Symphony Orchestra, located in Hillsborough, was awarded $8,500 to support community programming and provide engaging music experiences to Somerset County residents. Learn more here: https://www.somersetsymphony.org/.

Somerset Valley Players, located in Hillsborough, was awarded $19,000 to enhance community awareness and engagement by offering accessible, affordable, and quality live theater. Learn more here: https://www.svptheatre.org/.

Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion, Inc., located in Somerville, was awarded $6,675 to support the 2025 Paul Robeson Arts Festival and Pop-Up Museum. Learn more here: https://www.ucpavilion.org/.

Ukrainian History and Education Center, located in Franklin, was awarded $20,175 to provide in-person and virtual programming on Ukrainian folk arts and traditions for Somerset County residents. Learn more here: https://www.ukrhec.org/.

2026 LAP Grant Applications

To learn more about applying for the 2026 LAP grant, visit: Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant | Somerset County. For more information, contact the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission office at (908) 231-7021 or CulturalHeritage@co.somerset.nj.us.