The New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Two River Theater Company in Red Bank have been selected for two separate federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts in support of their arts programs, services, and activities, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced on Tuesday.

     “These two organizations are making significant contributions to our communities through promoting access to and participation in the arts and reaching out to young people,” Rep. Smith stated. “They are leaders in helping promote a public good. The Two River Theater has been a long-standing treasure in Monmouth County, fostering an appreciation for the arts for generations of participants and theater-goers.”

     The New Jersey State Council on the Arts will receive a $892,500 grant from the NEA “To support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out your agency’s NEA-approved strategic plan,” the NEA announced. The state council administers competitive grants to artists and art organizations in New Jersey as part of its long range agency plan.

     The Two River Theater in Red Bank will receive a direct $15,000 NEA grant to support its production of Pamela’s First Musical, based on a children’s book written by Wendy Wasserstein who also wrote the script for the musical.  

     “Pamela’s First Musical, which will have its long-awaited world premiere at Two River Theater in September, will be the most ambitious project in our theater’s 25-year history,” said Two River Artistic Director John Dias. “The show is a valentine to the American musical and a testament to its enduring power. We love its abundant heart, and can’t think of a show that better celebrates that feeling of being a kid who doesn’t fit in, and finding a sense of belonging through the magic of theater.”

     Founded in 1994, the Two River Theater has been recognized by the national theater community for its play commissioning program created to help with theater development and production by artists; it also hosts educational programs to foster appreciation for theater for young participants.

     The grants are part of NEA’s $87 million round of grant funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, with grants supporting nonprofits in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

     Rep. Smith has supported and fought for funding of the NEA while it was being considered for cuts; he joined a letter by Members to the Administration in March of 2017 asking that the NEA be fully funded in the FY 2018 budget. He also joined a letter by Members to the Administration this past March to support funding of the NEA in the FY 2019 budget.