The application can be found online, NJEDA announced Dec. 27. Submissions must be received by Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.
“From Edison and Sinatra to Bon Jovi and Queen Latifah, New Jersey has a long, rich history rooted in arts and innovation. As we build upon that legacy, we are excited to partner with Gov. Phil Murphy to provide $2 million in seed funding for the inaugural NJ Arts and Innovation Festival,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan in a prepared statement.
Sullivan
“Convening innovators in the tech space with artists and musicians is central to achieving Governor Murphy’s vision for positioning New Jersey as hub where top talent in all industries can live, work, and play. The NJ Arts and Innovation Festival Challenge Grant will advance an event that showcases New Jersey’s creative culture and attracts visitors, new businesses and top talent to our state,” he said.
The NJ Arts and Innovation Festival Challenge Grant will award a single grant of up to $2 million to support operational costs related to the management, production, and promotion of a festival that features live music, art, tech demonstrations, panel discussions with innovation economy leaders, and other activities related to the state’s creative economy and innovation ecosystem.
The NJEDA board approved the grant at its December 2021 board meeting.
“When it comes to economic growth, innovation and creativity are two sides of the same coin,” said Allison Tratner, executive director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, in a prepared statement. “By supporting creators and shining a spotlight on New Jersey’s thriving, diverse arts and culture industry, we not only build more unique, vibrant communities, but we also attract the top talent and companies in other industries that drive long-term economic growth.”
The grant is open to businesses and nonprofits that’ve demonstrated the ability to organize events of similar scope and scale. Applicants must be registered for business in New Jersey or hold a valid NJ Charitable Registration, must be in good standing with the Department of Labor, and they must have organized an event with attendance of 5,000 or more within the last seven years.
Applicants may add a strategic partner or partners whose experience, knowledge, skills and ability will aid in the production, management, and marketing of the festival. Those applying must include fundraising, diversity and inclusion, security and transportation plans, as well as a local participation program that focuses on host community participation.
Additionally, applicants will need to provide a vision statement that outlines how the festival will help grow New Jersey’s place as a premier live-work-play destination for arts and innovation firms, talent and tourism; and they must include a fundraising plan to close the gap between the $2 million provided by the Challenge Grant and the total budget for the festival.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
