As Princeton builds its reputation as an arts and cultural destination, conversation is turning toward the economic benefits art could have on the community (U.S. 1, June 1). But funding is key.
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) will host a free workshop to help central New Jersey arts and humanities organizations apply for public and private grants on Monday, June 20, at 9 a.m. at McCarter Theater. Call 609-750-9365 or E-mail andrew.black@mail.house.gov.
Holt, along with Mike Griffin of the National Endowment for the Arts and John Cox of the National Endowment for the Humanities, will present information about arts and humanities funding, grant opportunities, and other issues of interest to arts and humanities production and advocacy groups. Small-group breakout sessions will provide the opportunity to interact directly with NEA and NEH officials.
According to Holt, research shows that support for the arts also supports job creation and contributes to economic growth. As noted by Americans for the Arts in its report Arts and Economic Prosperity III, across the county,”nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year.”
In the 12th Legislative District alone, Holt says, there were 1,841 arts-related businesses employing almost 10,000 people as of January.
