Jersey City Arts Council Renewed Mission Statement
Jersey City Arts Council Unveils Refined Mission Statement, Marking a New Chapter Ahead of 10th Anniversary
JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The Jersey City Arts Council (JCAC) Board of Directors has adopted a newly refined mission statement that more clearly defines the organization's evolving role as a leader, advocate, resource, and connector within Jersey City's creative landscape. The announcement marks a significant milestone as the organization prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year.
The new mission affirms the Arts Council's commitment to strengthening the city's creative landscape:
Jersey City Arts Council exists to advance and cultivate the city's arts and cultural ecosystem.
The mission is carried out through four core pillars:
Advocacy: We champion equitable arts policies, foster civic engagement, and collaborate with government and community partners to expand access to cultural resources and empower the long-term sustainability of Jersey City's arts and cultural ecosystem.
Convening: We bring together artists, organizations, partners, and communities to foster connection, collaboration, learning, and shared growth.
Grantmaking: We provide direct support through grants, regranting programs, and relief funds for Jersey City artists and creative initiatives.
Promotion: We amplify the work of local artists and cultural organizations, fostering community engagement and encouraging broad participation in the arts.
The refined mission is the result of a year-long strategic planning process that included conversations with the JCAC Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, artists, cultural organizations, government partners, and other local stakeholders. The planning process was made possible through support from the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund and the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.
"As the local arts service organization, this is a renewed commitment to the role Jersey City Arts Council can play in shaping Jersey City's future," said Deonté Griffin-Quick, Executive Director of Jersey City Arts Council. "Over the past year, we listened carefully to artists, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community members. What emerged was a shared vision for an Arts Council that not only supports the arts, but actively cultivates the relationships, infrastructure, advocacy, and investment that allow our entire arts and cultural ecosystem to thrive."
The updated mission reflects JCAC’s continued growth from its advocacy roots into a broader citywide arts service organization that works across disciplines and sectors to strengthen the conditions that allow artists, organizations, and creative initiatives to flourish.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited to embrace this new chapter for Jersey City Arts Council," said Mike Grabowski, Interim Co-Chair of the Board of Directors. "This mission clearly articulates the impact we indeed to deepen; not only by supporting artists and organizations individually, but by strengthening the connections between them. It provides a strong framework for the Board as we continue expanding partnerships, growing organizational capacity, and building the vision for the years to come.”
Jeff Dessources, Interim Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, added, "The strategic planning process reminded us that thriving arts communities don't happen by accident, they are built through collaboration, trust, and bold conversations. This newly refined mission captures that spirit. As we celebrate ten years of the Arts Council, we are equally focused on the next ten years and the opportunities ahead to deepen our impact throughout Jersey City's arts and cultural ecosystem."
The announcement comes as Jersey City Arts Council prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary this fall, marking a decade of advocacy, community building, and support for the arts across Jersey City. As JCAC looks toward its next decade, the refined mission serves as both a reflection of the organization’s history and a framework for deepening its impact in the years ahead. Additional details about JCAC’s 10th anniversary celebration and related activities will be announced in the coming months.
JCAC invites artists, cultural organizations, businesses, civic and community partners, funders, and residents to take part in strengthening Jersey City’s creative future—through partnership, participation, advocacy, and support.
To learn more about Jersey City Arts Council or explore partnership opportunities, visit www.jerseycityartscouncil.org or contact Deonté Griffin-Quick, Executive Director, at jerseycityartscouncil@gmail.com.