Stockton University has received a $1 million Public Space Activation Grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Through the grant, Stockton will work with four community development corporations (CDCs) in the city — Ducktown, Chelsea, Inlet and Midtown — to implement a multistage project to promote at a higher level the arts and culture of Atlantic City and its diversity, said Michael Cagno, the executive director of the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University.
“We do not do enough highlighting of the diverse cultural aspects of Atlantic City,” said Cagno, who’s also on the board of the Ducktown CDC. “So, we want to create a central brand and umbrella to create that identity.”
The Public Space Activation is under the Activation, Revitalization and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, which was created to support Atlantic City and Newark as the cities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a result of the pandemic, New Jersey’s thriving downtown commuter hubs saw decreased foot traffic and revenue as many residents and workers transitioned to remote work,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Gov. Phil Murphy has made a commitment to bring a resurgence to our state’s downtowns by bringing more business, arts, and culture to attract residents and commuters.”
Cagno said the money will go toward five different parts, all with the goal of promoting Atlantic City’s arts and culture:
“Atlantic City is a beautiful tapestry of arts, culture and history. Experiencing all that Atlantic City has to offer enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike, while also contributing to the city’s economic recovery,” said Assemblyman Don Guardian. “This funding will preserve and celebrate the diverse communities that honor Atlantic City’s past, present and future.”
Cagno said in addition to promoting at a higher level art and culture in Atlantic City for tourists and residents, the project will illustrate the collaborative efforts between Stockton and the four CDCs.
“We work together already. We share ideas and concepts and resources,” he said. “But as an Anchor Institution in Atlantic City, Stockton’s main role is to assist with the facilitation and implementation of the project.
“We want to bring in visitors, and not just tourists, but within the neighborhoods. So, residents from one neighborhood can explore another.”
The A.R.T. program utilizes American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the wake of the pandemic.
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