The Burlington County Commissioners continue to provide financial support to local organizations that are helping to promote and support the arts.
On Wednesday, the Commissioners approved more than $125,000 in grant awards to 15 organizations planning arts programs and initiatives for the year.
“The arts are an important part of Burlington County’s culture, economy and the high quality of life that residents enjoy here,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “These grants allow art groups and other nonprofits to continue to operate and provide valuable programs, event and performances that enrich life in our communities.”
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks, said the County support for arts organizations and artists also contributes to local economic development.
“Burlington County believes in the arts and the benefits the arts bring,” said Eckel. “Art makes us think and feel. It can inspire us and bring us together. The art exhibits, shows, festivals and classes these grants support are essential to residents’ quality of life, and we have seen first-hand how these investments in art and culture provide jobs, business activity and community development.”
The grant recipients and amounts were approved by the Commissioners based on recommendations by a peer panel. Grants will be used to support a variety of activities and programs, including general operations, advertising, special exhibits, classes and performances.
All 15 organizations that applied for grants will receive funding.
The following organizations were approved to receive grants:
Bridge Players Theater Company, Burlington: $9,308 to expand outreach and community engagement through musical and non-musical theater performances.
Burlington County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee: $10,862 to support the organization’s annual cultural series celebrating Celtic and Irish Heritage. Activities include the Saint Patrick’s Parade, Irish Festival, Bloomsday Celebration, Samhain event and Celtic Christmas performance, as well as Gaelic language lessons, literature workshops and traditional sports activities.
Essence of Harmony Choral Society, Moorestown: $7,242 to support the organization’s performance season, including music performances, fees for accompanying professional musicians and public relations materials.
Golden Eagle Band, Mount Holly: $2,530 to support operations of this all-volunteer, nonprofit community band.
Haaf Family Arts Foundation, Beverly: $9,928 to support organization programs and events, including Beverly Blues Festival, cabaret nights, art shows and book discussions.
In FACT Inc., Willingboro: $10,293 to support the organization’s mini-festivals and cultural food event, including the Storytelling Festival, Soul Line Dance Festival, Kwanzaa Festival and Tale of Two Tastes event.
Lyceum Studios/ArtPride NJ, Burlington City: $7,542 to support the studio’s programming, including theater classes, camps, workshops and performances.
Main Street Mount Holly, Mount Holly: $9,764 to support the organization’s planned art contest showcasing favorite locations and places in Mount, and the publication of a book about the town’s past and present.
Medford Arts Center, Medford: $9,227 for general operating support for the community arts studio and gallery, including its community events and programs.
Roebling Museum, Florence: $8,760 to support the museum’s Artist in Residence program that provides opportunities for local and regional artists to create site-specific works for display in the museum or on the grounds.
Servicios Latinos de Burlington County: $7,592 to support the nonprofit’s Latino and Hispanic Heritage Festival featuring food, live museum, folk dancers, children’s activities, information tables and health screenings.
South Jersey Pops, Evesham: $5,092 to support the development of four unique full orchestra concert programs to be performed in 2025.
West Jersey Chamber Music Society, Moorestown: $5,669 to aid the organization’s choir and orchestra, including its live-stream concerts and complimentary tickets to low-income residents and youth-serving organizations.
West Jersey Music Academy, Moorestown: $9,344 to aid the organization’s music instruction program for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, Pemberton Township: $11,680 to support the group’s 2025 music and arts workshops focused on Pinelands history, arts, nature and historic Whitesbog Village.
Burlington County also continues to support the arts with its own lineup of art exhibits, programs, classes and performances being planned for the year. These include the annual Burlington County Short Film Festival, Arts After Dark, Autumn Lands and Summer Concerts series.
Listings of all County events and activities can be found on the Burlington County Parks seasonal program guide available online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks .