During this time of re-evaluation, pivoting, and revision, the board and staff of the West Windsor Arts Council have focused our energies on making sure that the work we do helps us to meet the needs of our community via what we do best — the Arts.
Our efforts to connect community, provide ongoing educational opportunities, showcase diverse perspectives, and always make it personal, warm, and centered on individuals have resulted in programs such as the Art Against Racism community art project, the MLK Day of Service, and a plethora of virtual programs like interactive camps and classes, exhibition receptions, film screenings, and more. Our work doesn’t stop just because we are not able to host programs at the Art Center like we used to! We have used our creativity to bring new content and make new connections, wherever possible.
Now, we are pleased to report that these efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are extremely grateful to be the recipients of not one, not two, but three recent grants that will help us continue this work as well as imagine, grow, and safely welcome everyone back to our physical location.
New Jersey Cultural Trust (NJCT)
Capacity Building Grant
We have been awarded $20,000 for a capacity building project involving board development and creating our next three-year strategic plan. We will be working with Allison Trimarco of Creative Capacity to develop our goals and strategies for delivering on our mission in fresh and innovative ways.
New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA)
COVID Critical Needs Grant
We have been awarded $10,600 to support the West Windsor Arts Council’s COVID-19 reopening plan by funding the purchase of protective equipment for our classrooms and event spaces, touchless equipment for public restrooms, and PPE for students and educators.
Recovery Grant
Additionally, we were honored to be named recipients of a one-time “recovery grant” of $26,961. These funds are being provided in addition to the General Operating Support that we were slated to receive for FY21. General operating expenses include everything from “keeping the lights on” to programmatic support. It is the flexibility of these resources that makes them so important to our survival.
We are incredibly grateful to the State of New Jersey, the boards and hardworking staff of the NJSCA and NJCT, Governor Philip Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Secretary of State Tahesha Way, and our legislators Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli for making these resources available to the hard-hit arts sector.
We pledge to use them wisely as we deliver our services and ensure that we maintain a thriving community through the arts.
