Gov. James E. McGreevey’s proposed $23.7 billion state budget would cut funding for many programs, including the arts.
Many Hudson County arts and cultural institutions are trying to come to grips with the budget.
"We at Jersey City Museum are shocked and saddened by McGreevey’s announcement regarding his administration’s intent to cut New Jersey’s arts funding during his budget address (Feb. 4)," said Jersey City Museum Executive director Marion Grzesiak last week. "The arts play a vital role in the lives of New Jersey’s citizens, especially its children, and in [contributing to] the state’s economy."
The state allocates funding for arts and cultural programs to each county separately, and in the new proposed budget, the division of Hudson County Cultural Affairs would experience a cut of approximately $102,000, according to Bill LaRosa, the division’s director.
LaRosa said he is meeting with freeholders and state representatives to try to maximize funding for arts and cultural programs.
"We need some kind of funding for our programs," LaRosa said.
At a Hudson County Freeholders meeting on Feb. 13, several prominent arts representatives voiced their concerns about the governor’s proposal, which is scheduled for approval by the state legislature in late June.
Executive director of the Jersey City Kennedy Dancers Diane Dragone, who has received state funding for her school, asked the freeholders to speak with authorities in the Trenton legislature to fight for funding.
"The funding that we get is not much, but we need it," Dragone said. "We do great things for the community, and cutting the budget will hurt."
Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons of Hoboken, a self-proclaimed advocate for the arts, said he will speak on behalf of the artists in the county. He also pledged to seek private funding from new businesses moving to Jersey City’s and Hoboken’s waterfront.
"It’s a disgrace that businesses on the waterfront don’t support the arts in this county," Fitzgibbons said. "I’ve urged the support from private companies in the past, and I will continue to do so."
Pro Arts president Katherine Klanderman was at the meeting. She echoed Dragone’s plea for funding to the freeholders. Her group, designed to revitalize the arts scene in Jersey City, received a more than $5,000 grant from the state last year. They will apply for grants again this year.
"The arts are a valuable resource to the cultural makeup of the community," Klanderman said. "It will be a sad thing to see that diminished."
Bob Foster, director of the Hoboken Historical Museum, said in a statement that he was concerned about the proposed budget cuts, because without them the museum will lose the ability to provide the community with programming, exhibits, and publications.
"This is the worst news we’ve ever had," Foster said. "This could be our funeral."
Foster has received state funding to assist with the general operating expenses, produce exhibits and offer public programs.
"Over the years, with the help of Sen. Bernard F. Kenny (D-Hoboken), museum friends, and volunteers, we have raised funds through competitive state, county and foundation grants," Foster said in a statement issued Feb. 21.
Kenny said he is very concerned about the arts programs, and he is hopeful that some funding will be restored. He stressed that art groups have to make economic adjustments.
"This is a crisis. The bottom line is to restore what we can and get through this," Kenny said. q