Jersey City Arts Council Appoints National Arts Leader Deonté Griffin-Quick as Executive Director
Deonte Griffin-Quick
JERSEY CITY, NJ — The Jersey City Arts Council (JCAC) proudly announces the appointment of Deonté Griffin-Quick (he/him) as its new Executive Director. A nationally recognized, award-winning arts administrator and consultant, Griffin-Quick brings a proven track record of leading cultural initiatives, advancing equity, and building meaningful partnerships across the local, regional, and national arts landscape.
Griffin-Quick, a New Jersey native, most recently served as the inaugural Managing Director of External Affairs at Artist Communities Alliance (ACA), the international service organization for artist residencies and artist-centered organizations. Prior to that, he led statewide programming and sector-building initiatives as Director of Programs and Services at New Jersey Theatre Alliance. In 2019, he launched the New Jersey Arts and Culture Administrators of Color Network, a collective now serving over 300 cultural professionals across the state.
“We are thrilled to welcome Deonté Griffin-Quick as Executive Director,” said Amy Elise de Jong, JCAC Board Chair. “His visionary leadership, deep ties to New Jersey's arts ecosystem, and commitment to equity and community collaboration will strengthen JCAC’s mission to protect, strengthen, and promote the arts in Jersey City".
Over the past four years, the Jersey City Arts Council has distributed approximately half a million dollars in funding to local artists and arts organizations through grant initiatives such as the Antenna Grant for Women in the Arts, COVID Relief Grants, the Jersey City Artist Relief Fund, and the Jersey City Arts Trust Fund Individual Artist Fellowship program, in partnership with the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs. Under Griffin-Quick’s leadership, JCAC aims to expand these efforts and deepen its impact.
“Jersey City is home to a vibrant and ever-evolving creative community,” said Griffin-Quick. “I am honored to lead JCAC in its role as a catalyst for cultural vitality across Jersey City. Together, we’ll champion artists, build stronger partnerships, and ensure the arts remain central to the city’s future.”
As Executive Director, Griffin-Quick will collaborate with the JCAC Board of Directors on a new strategic plan, develop programs and advocacy efforts, foster new collaborations with artists and cross-sector leaders, and help shape a future where culture and creativity remain central to Jersey City’s growth and identity. Griffin-Quick comes at a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey as it embarks on celebrating 10 years of advocacy, investment, and impact in Jersey City’s arts community.
About the Jersey City Arts Council
The Jersey City Arts Council (JCAC) is an inclusive and diverse, community-focused 501(c)(3) organization. We support and advocate for arts organizations and individual artists across all disciplines, and encourage innovative contributions to Jersey City’s cultural landscape. We believe in the power of the arts to keep Jersey City creative, connected, and inclusive.