ArtPride New Jersey, alongside a statewide coalition representing the business and broader nonprofit communities, respectfully expresses concern regarding upcoming changes to independent contractor regulations. These changes could have unintended consequences on New Jersey’s nonprofit arts sector, the artists who work within it, and the communities these organizations serve. 

Despite widespread opposition from freelance workers, the business community and New Jersey lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle, Governor Sherrill and her administration have adopted new rules that make sweeping changes to the ABC test that determines...

As part of our commitment to informing voters and fostering dialogue on the role of arts and culture in our communities, ArtPride New Jersey, in partnership with Americans for the Arts and Americans for the Arts Arts Action Fund, is conducting a 2026 Federal Candidate Survey of all incumbent legislators and challengers to inform New Jersey residents about each candidate's positions on the arts.

Art supporters vote, and there is a lot at stake this fall. New Jersey's arts and culture industry depends on continued federal government funding to thrive. Communities throughout the state rely on healthy arts businesses for economic vitality and...

Critical OMB Proposal Could Devastate Arts Funding in New Jersey

On August 8th, the U.S. Senate voted 90 to 6 to approve a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government open and funded through December 11. 

The CR includes a key bipartisan provision temporarily blocking the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from finalizing proposed sweeping changes to overhaul federal grantmaking. The CR must now head to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was expected to publish its Final Rule, potentially on or near September 1, to overhaul federal grantmaking. Nearly 500,000 public...

The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee proposed a 35% cut to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), funding them at $135 million each for FY 2027. This comes after President Trump's budget called for eliminating both agencies.

The NEA and NEH provide vital funding for arts and culture organizations throughout New Jersey. The NEA recommends around 2,300 grants annually, benefiting every Congressional District, with most going to small- and medium-sized organizations. The NEA funds arts projects in 678 more counties than private foundations can reach.

Reach out to your Members of...

📣 Take Action Now: Contact Your Legislators

The arts community cannot afford new barriers to civic participation.

The SAVE Act (S. 128 /H.R. 22) would restrict voter registration methods that arts organizations and cultural communities rely on, including event-based registration drives, online registration, and same-day registration. These changes would disproportionately impact young artists, naturalized citizens, lower-income cultural workers, and touring performers.

We need your voice.

👉 Contact your U.S. Senators today and urge them to OPPOSE the SAVE Act.

Tell them:

• The arts sector depends on accessible civic...