(TRENTON, NJ) -- The New Jersey State Council on the Arts awarded more than $15.7 million in grant funding to support 700 arts organizations, projects, and artists throughout the state. The awards were announced at the Arts Council's 53nd Annual Meeting held at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton on July 23.

"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."

Council Chair Elizabeth Mattson remarked, "New Jersey's creative industries play a key role in our success - from the economy and education to wellness and cross-cultural understanding. The arts provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to engage with one another, and to share ideas and stories that can change lives."

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector contributes $22.1 billion to New Jersey's economy, representing 3.8% of the state's GDP-a larger share than several other industries in the state. Learn more about why the Arts Matter in New Jersey.

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. Funding decisions are made through a transparent, merit-based, and rigorous grants process that assures access and equity. Independent panels evaluate grant applications to eliminate the possibility for conflict of interest.

Additionally, 20 organizations and projects received Citations of Excellence in recognition of the highest competitive evaluations by the panels of specialists.

View a list of FY20 Grants by County.

View a list of FY20 Grants by Category/Discipline.

FY20 CITATIONS OF EXCELLENCE - 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. Organizations include Artworks Trenton, Inc. ;Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission; Montclair Film; Morris Arts; New Jersey Arts Education Partnership; New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Newark Public Radio, Inc./WBGO-FM; Newark School of the Arts, Inc.; Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission; Paper Mill Playhouse; Princeton Art Museum; Princeton Girlchoir; Princeton Pro Musica; Rowan University Foundation/College of Performing Arts; Rutgers University/Paul Robeson Art Gallery; South Orange Performing Arts Center; and The Newark Museum. Projects include George Street Playhouse (AESI); Symphony in C (AESI); and The Children’s Home Society/TEDI (AESI).

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, created in 1966, is a division of the NJ Department of State. The Council was established to encourage and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey. The Council receives direct appropriations from the State of New Jersey through a dedicated, renewable Hotel/Motel Occupancy fee, as well as competitive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.