Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Dodge Foundation: Arts Funding That Bolsters N.J. Cities
When it comes to boosting local economies and driving downtown revitalization, arts districts in New Jersey cities are gaining momentum, thanks to a mix of public and private investing and an uptick in city leaders’ interest in cultural placemaking.
At NJ Spotlight’s recent conference on cities, panelists on “The Arts as an Economic Factor” noted that $16 million in annual grants from New Jersey’s Art Council helped fund up to 175 artists and art organizations, and put New Jersey in fourth place nationwide when it comes to state spending on the arts. According to NJ Spotlight, “… this money — generated through a hotel tax — prompts grant recipients to collectively spend another $250 million, while patrons provide $125 million in economic activity. All together, New Jersey boasts some 20,000 arts organizations, both nonprofits and businesses, which employ roughly 75,000 people … .”
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation adds about $6 million annually to that pot. Chris Daggett, CEO at the foundation, said almost half of the funds contribute to arts education funding and a school poetry program. . .