Jersey City Arts Council Announces 2026 Individual Artist Fellowship Recipients
JERSEY CITY, NJ — The Jersey City Arts Council, in partnership with Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs, is proud to announce the twenty recipients of the 2026 Individual Artist Fellowship Program. This year’s fellows represent a dynamic cross-section of Jersey City’s creative community, spanning disciplines including visual arts, music, dance, folk arts, culinary arts, digital media, and arts education.
With nearly 200 applications submitted—the largest response since the establishment of the Jersey City Arts & Culture Trust Fund—the 2026 Individual Artist Fellowship program underscores both the remarkable strength of Jersey City’s creative community and the growing need for sustained investment in individual artists.
The Individual Artist Fellowship program provides unrestricted grants to Jersey City artists who are actively pursuing careers in the arts and contributing to the cultural life of the community. The program recognizes artistic excellence, creative impact, and meaningful community engagement.
“Each year, these grants help spark new ideas, expand access to the arts, and create meaningful opportunities for artists and residents alike,” said Christine Goodman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We are proud to partner with the Jersey City Arts Council to help create and expand opportunities for artists across our community. Our creative community plays a vital role in shaping Jersey City’s identity and future, and investing in artists is an investment in the strength and vibrancy of our city.”
“The Individual Artist Fellowship reflects the extraordinary depth of talent that exists throughout Jersey City,” said Deonté Griffin-Quick, Executive Director of the Jersey City Arts Council. “By investing directly in artists, we are helping ensure that creativity continues to thrive in every neighborhood, while strengthening the cultural fabric that makes Jersey City such a vibrant and inspiring place.”
2026 Individual Artist Fellowship Recipients
Luna Alago, Digital Media & Video
Reniqua Allen-Lamphere, Digital Media & Video
Cheyne Ali Anderson, Visual & Fine Arts
Millicent Ansah, Performing Arts
Lisa Marie Basile, Visual & Fine Arts
Victor Bell, Folk Arts
Ishita Bhattacharya, Dance
Gianluca Bianchino, Visual & Fine Arts
Gail-Marie Boykewich, Visual & Fine Arts
Marquis Chandler, Music
PinHsin Chu, Art & Culture Education
Eileen Ferara, Visual & Fine Arts
Ben Fine, Visual & Fine Arts
John Hebert, Music
Victoria Martinez, Visual & Fine Arts
Sarah Mueller, Visual & Fine Arts
Luis Emilio Romero, Visual & Fine Arts
Lucy Rovetto, Visual & Fine Arts
Elizabeth Tokoly, Crafts
Stephan Verwayne-Mullen, Culinary Arts
The Individual Artist Fellowship is supported through the Jersey City Arts & Culture Trust Fund.
About Jersey City Arts Council
Jersey City Arts Council exists to protect, promote, and strengthen the arts in Jersey City. We believe the arts are essential to the city’s cultural vitality, economic growth, and civic life, and we work to ensure that artists and cultural organizations—especially those historically underrecognized—have the resources, visibility, and support they need to thrive.
About Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs
Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs supports and celebrates the diverse community and rich heritage of Jersey City. The Office of Cultural Affairs is a proponent and advocate for the arts in Jersey City, providing opportunities, resources, and education for artists of all disciplines.
About the Jersey City Arts & Culture Trust Fund
The Arts and Culture Trust Fund, established by the City of Jersey City in 2020, aims to provide financial support to artists and organizations to create, produce, and present cultural programming. These grants represent a significant investment in the creative talents of Jersey City and underscore the city’s commitment to fostering a thriving arts scene for residents and visitors alike.
