'5 Percent For The Arts:' Bergen Creatives Push For Federal Dollars

PARAMUS, NJ — Local creatives want to make sure five percent of federal money coming to the county will support Bergen County's "underfunded" arts scene, a news release said.

ArtsBergen, which is part of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, sent a letter to Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III asking him to designate five percent of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the arts. The organization is urging supporters of the arts to co-sign the letter to Tedesco.

Bergen County will receive about $260 million in ARP funding.

ArtsBergen is asking the funds be used "for a significant grant program supporting arts organizations/artists, creation of a Destination Marketing Organization, and creative placemaking and public art events," the news release said.

ArtsBergen, headquartered in Hackensack, has connected with ArtPride New Jersey and number of other arts organizations, artists, and creatives.

"Rallying together, we elevate the arts, as an effective and vital sector boosting local economies, aiding in good mental health, and building back the community," said Danielle De Laurentis, associate director of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation. "This is well worth ARP funding. Please share this appeal with your friends, constituents, and colleagues, who support the arts!"

The Brookings Institution found more than 73,600 Garden State creatives lost their jobs in the beginning the COVID-19 pandemic, between April and July 2020. This represents about a $3.8 million loss in revenue, the Brookings report said.