We believe the arts are central to every element we value most in a modern society including: human understanding; cultural and civic pride; strong communities; excellent schools; lifelong learning; creative expression; and economic opportunity.
In 1966, the legislature passed and the governor signed a law creating the NJ State Council on the Arts and directing us to do all that is necessary and appropriate to: support, encourage, and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey.
Read the Council’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan
Read the Council’s FY26 Program & Operations Plan
In New Jersey, we know that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The Arts Council embraces the principles of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. With a focus on learning, data, and accountability, we will continue to assess and challenge inequities, identify gaps in engagement and service, and focus on the details that shape systemic change.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is a division of the New Jersey Department of State, created in 1966 by Public Law Chapter 214 and consists of 17 members, all appointed by the Governor for terms of three years, and three ex-officio members. Since its creation, the Council’s volunteer members and professional staff have worked to improve the quality of life in New Jersey through strategic support for the arts.
With annual appropriations from the State Legislature as well as annual federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Council designs and carries out a dynamic program of financial and technical support services for New Jersey arts organizations and programs, as well as individual artists. The Council has priority programs in arts education and lifelong learning, artist services, creative communities, and folk & traditional arts.
The Council works with a broad array of partner organizations in carrying out this work. Among its programs, the Council administers the Public Buildings Arts Inclusion Act, through which works of art are commissioned and installed in new state construction.
The Council's programs and services have earned national recognition for excellence, innovation, and responsiveness to community needs.
Public support for the arts in New Jersey is drawn from a dedicated, renewable revenue source--the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee--established in 2003. Under this law, a percentage of the fees shall be annually allocated to the Arts Council. Additionally, the Arts Council receives an annual, competitive federal grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Felicia Grant, Chair
Elizabeth A. Mattson, 1st Vice Chair
Carol Ann Herbert, 2nd Vice Chair
ex officio members
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, Secretary of State
Senator Holly T. Schepisi
Assemblyman James J. Kennedy
Sharon Burton Turner
Lana Gold Walder
Joyce C. Goore
Jeremy Grunin
Gina Hulings
Dolores A. Kirk
Ruth Lipper
Evie McGee Colbert
Kevin M. O'Brien
Dr. Michael Penna
Vivian Scott Chew
Main Number: 609-292-6130 (NJ Relay 711)
Email: arts@sos.nj.gov
Mailing address: NJ State Council on the Arts, PO Box 306, Trenton, NJ 08625-0306
Allison Tratner
Executive Director
609-633-1218
allison.tratner@sos.nj.gov
Stella Baldwin
Program Officer - Literature, Media Arts, Music
609-690-8313
s.baldwin@sos.nj.gov
한국어 가능 (Korean Available)
Michelle Baxter-Schaffer
Director of Communications
609-984-7023
michelle.baxter-schaffer@sos.nj.gov
Christopher Benincasa
Communications Manager
609-292-5263
christopher.benincasa@sos.nj.gov
Andrew Binger
Program Officer - Community Partnerships
609-690-8312
andrew.binger@sos.nj.gov
Danielle Bursk
Director of Community Partnerships & Artist Services
609-633-1184
danielle.bursk@sos.nj.gov
Samantha Clarke
Program Officer - Arts Education & Lifelong Learning, Multidisciplinary, Service
609-984-7019
samantha.clarke@sos.nj.gov
Lindsay Dandeo
Access Coordinator, Program Officer - Theatre, Service
609-984-7020
lindsay.dandeo@sos.nj.gov
Diane Felcyn
Program Officer - Multidisciplinary, Service, Visual Arts
609-633-1244
diane.felcyn@sos.nj.gov
Jessica Gaines
Program Officer - Dance, Multidisciplinary, Performing Arts Presenters, Service
609-292-4524
jessica.gaines@sos.nj.gov
Tammy R. Herman
Director of Grants & Strategies
609-292-4435
tammy.herman@sos.nj.gov
Stephanie Nerbak
Artist Services Manager
609-292-4474
stephanie.nerbak@sos.nj.gov
Sally Van de Water
Program Officer - Folk & Traditional Arts
609-875-4948
sally.vandewater@sos.nj.gov
Doug West
Operations Specialist
609-300-6951
doug.west@sos.nj.gov
Robert Worshinski
Director of Operations & Technical Assistance
609-633-1049
robert.worshinski@sos.nj.gov
Official Site of The State of New Jersey