Four Red Bank Arts Orgs Receive Grant Funding

Four Red Bank arts organizations were awarded grants, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts announced Wednesday.

Two River Theater Company, Count Basie Theatre, Monmouth County Arts Council, and Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival each received grant funding through a program that includes hotel occupancy taxes and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Two River Theater received $118,812 for general operating support. Monmouth County Arts Council received two grants, one of $157,398 for being a local arts program and a second of $31,460 to help with staffing. Count Basie and the Jazz Foundation were each awarded grants for general operating support of $178,815 and $14,104, respectively.

State Sen. Jennifer Beck and Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, both R-12, championed the local funding in a statement of support.

“One o the things I love about living in Red Bank is the richness of culture and arts and it affords to its residents and visitors,” Beck said. “The arts are an integral part of our community and that is a fact on which we pride ourselves.”

Casagrande said it’s critical that arts are supported as our economy struggles in order to provide an escape during tough times. O’Scanlon said the grant funding help with job growth and increased tourism.