Arts and Heritage Council asks for help

As you may have heard or read, the State of New Jersey has frozen all funding for the arts. We are faced with an extreme emergency and are asking for your help. While we will eliminate most of our overhead through a reduction in all costs, the state’s decision has placed the council in an untenable position that could lead to pulling all support to the art community in the county as well as the real possibility of closing our gallery in Newton. Almost 80 percent of all federal, state and local money that we receive is returned to the Sussex Community through grants that support the majority of non-profit organizations that supply a wealth of talent to our citizens. From children’s orchestras to senior citizens’ art awards, the council has been there to provide funding. Last year these groups produced over 250 events that were attended by over 22,000 of our neighbors, as well as viewed by thousands of others through coverage on local TV. Now, because of the state’s decision, we are faced with the hard cold fact that if we cannot generate $20,000 by Dec. 31, we may be forced to pull all support for the Arts in Sussex and may be forced to close the gallery. These funds, from this one-time request, will guarantee the continuation of our efforts as we campaign for reinstatement of support from government sources as well as business leaders in our community. You have always been there for us in the past. Any amount that you can contribute now towards the above goal will help us continue our efforts of supporting the arts in our community. Mary Jo Mathias, executive director The Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council Newton