The Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts at Ramapo College of New Jersey received two grants to continue its work with local students as well as bringing arts programming to the campus community.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts awarded the Berrie Center a grant of $56,910, part of the state-wide grants appropriation to support more than 700 arts organizations, projects and artists throughout New Jersey.
In addressing members of the Council, Secretary of State Tahesha Way commended the creativity and resiliency of the arts community during the pandemic.
“The innovation New Jersey’s arts community has shown over these last 16 months is absolutely awe-inspiring,” said Secretary Way. “The arts have been a crucial source of healing and connection throughout the pandemic, and I am proud to work closely with the State Arts Council as they lead the field with responsive grants and services so people can continue to enjoy and engage with New Jersey arts.”
The Berrie Center also received a new grant of $11,670 for its partnership with P.S. 28 in Paterson. This Arts In Education grant will create direct encounters between each student at P.S. 28 and a Berrie Center guest performing artist. “The project will support the learning goals of the art curriculum at P.S. 28, and provide opportunities for the P.S. 28 students to engage with artists from different cultural backgrounds,” said Lisa Campbell, Director of the Berrie Center. “The students will be able to meet the artists, and explore how an education in the arts can lead to careers.”
This grant is a 2-year renewable grant and will be awarded again in FY 23, Campbell added.
“Needless to say, the Berrie Center and Ramapo College are thrilled with these awards,” Campbell said. “The Center persevered through a very challenging time during the pandemic but we were able to bring exciting and diverse performers virtually throughout the year. These grants will help us to continue our mission to bring the arts to a wider audience and build opportunities for enriching engagement in the creative processes.”