The New Jersey state budget will be voted on September 25, leaving less than a month for advocates to remind their state legislators that public funding proposed for arts, history, and tourism is critical to these industries. Their vote of support is essential.

Normally, arts organizations generate more than $662 million in economic impact and serve 8.5 million residents and visitor each year. However, arts organizations around New Jersey are currently engaging audiences in a dramatically different “new normal,” which translates into greatly reduced revenue from extremely limited live audiences and virtual offerings.

On August 25 Governor Murphy proposed the revised FY21 NJ State Budget and maintained the appropriations he proposed back in February for arts, history, and tourism.

It is important to thank Governor Murphy for recognizing the value of arts, history, and tourism to our state’s recovery from the pandemic, and to the lives of New Jersey residents and visitors.

An important part of any advocacy effort is to say thank you when your voice is heard. Please take a moment to send this note of gratitude to the Governor, re-emphasizing how important arts, history, and tourism is to life in our great state.

Theatres around the country, even in states spared significant COVID-19 outbreaks, have been obliged to remain “dark” for months. But until there’s a widely-available vaccine, the possibility of a resurgence remains—and that possibility has had a devastating impact on performing arts venues. 

While the Senate continues to debate the next phase of stimulus support, it is critical to keep this vital industry alive until all theatres can safely open their doors. 

Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund are standing up for the arts in America during COVID-19!

YOU can make a difference by taking action. Request your members of Congress include substantial additional dedicated COVID-19 relief funding—to be administered by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and Institute of Museum and Library Services—to help offset the losses of the nonprofit arts industry.