Monmouth Arts Awarded NJEDA Grant to Support Cultural Celebration in Long Branch

Red Bank, N.J. (January 28, 2026) – Under the leadership of Executive Director Teresa Staub, Monmouth Arts, the County’s leading nonprofit arts organization, has received a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to bring Culture Around the Corner to Long Branch. This three-day celebration transforms overlooked public spaces, activates local businesses, and invites the community to experience art at every turn. Through the program, Monmouth Arts continues its mission to strengthen community identity, support local artists, and showcase Monmouth County as a hub for creativity, diversity, and cultural exploration.

The three-day event is scheduled for early October and will kick off with an art exhibition and reception celebrating the community’s diversity. Saturday will feature live cultural performances along Broadway, and the celebration wraps up Sunday with a Folklife Village at White Chapel Projects, complete with artisan vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, and performances.

“We are honored to receive this grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and to bring Culture Around the Corner to Long Branch. We are excited to bring the community together to experience the arts, creativity, and the vibrant culture of Long Branch and Monmouth County. We look forward to collaborating with cultural artists and organizations to share their heritage through the arts,” said Teresa Staub, Executive Director, Monmouth Arts.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has approved $15 million in grant awards to 39 organizations under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, including Monmouth Arts – the county’s leading nonprofit arts organization. First piloted in Newark and Atlantic City, these awards mark the first announcement since A.R.T. was expanded to include 31 municipalities across New Jersey.

“Monmouth Arts congratulates all the organizations that received funding under the NJEDA’s A.R.T Phase II grant, including others in Monmouth County – New Jersey Repertory Company, Monmouth Museum, The Wooden Walls Mural Project, and Teen Arts NJ. We are proud to be among this remarkable group advancing creativity and community,” said Teresa Staub, Executive Director.

Additional details about Culture Around the Corner will be shared in the coming months. For more information on the celebration, please contact Teresa Staub at Teresa@monmoutharts.org.

For the full list of recipients and counties, read the NJEDA’s full announcement here.

About Monmouth Arts

Monmouth Arts was founded in 1971 after the Junior League of Monmouth County conducted a community survey and identified the need for a central agency to coordinate and assist all county artists and arts organizations. As the county’s leading nonprofit arts organization, Monmouth Arts delivers programs, services, events, and creative opportunities that inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. 

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

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