Dear Colleagues,

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is in the midst of a formal strategic planning process, where every area of our work will be evaluated, including operations, policies, services, and grantmaking. We are building on the strides already taken toward achieving greater balance, and ultimately a more diversified, broader, positive impact, and we need your input as part of the process.

The Arts Council has engaged AMS Planning & Research, a national arts management consulting firm, to provide support in developing our next strategic plan. AMS has developed a survey to gain insight from arts organizations, artists, arts workers, audiences, and community members statewide – insight about access to and impact of Council programs and services. We are striving to reach a broad representation of respondents, regardless of history of engagement with the Council. The more information we gather, the better chance we have at improving our services in the right ways.

This is one important piece of our strategic planning work, and we can’t do it without you.

All survey responses will be collected anonymously.

AMS will analyze the responses to identify themes and patterns that will help us better understand the needs of the field and the ways in which the Council can better support the arts industry and communities throughout New Jersey. The final report does not disclose personally identifiable information, so be confident that you can respond honestly. The survey will be open until November 30th.

Our commitment to accessible, equitable, and relevant programs and services is ongoing, and we thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. If you have any questions about the survey, please reach out to Rebekah Boggs, Project Coordinator at AMS: [email protected].

Thank you, and be well.

With Regards,

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, created in 1966, is a division of the NJ Department of State. The Council was established to encourage and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey. The Council believes the arts are central to every element we value most in a modern society including: human understanding; cultural and civic pride; strong communities; excellent schools; lifelong learning; creative expression; and economic opportunity. To learn more about the Council, please visit www.artscouncil.nj.gov.