Press Release
Press Release
To: Media
From: Reverend Monsignor Louis A. Marucci, D. Min., Executive Director
CC: Carolyn Ampula, President, Ruth Ann Baney, Vice-President
Date: 5/31/01
Re: Comments related to NJSCA Funding
Out of a 20 million dollar appropriation to the NJSCA for 2001, it is difficult to comprehend how major cultural groups in South Jersey, such as the Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra and the Ritz Theater, performing for, or bringing cultural enjoyment and education to thousands of South Jersey residents, did not receive any state funding from the NJSCA: especially since they were "judged worthy" in the recent past.
The Jubilate Deo & Chorale anticipated filling a musical education void in one of the county public school systems, by providing a educational outreach program for private and public schools throughout southern New Jersey by providing 135 programs at 45 different schools during the next three years. However, the denial of funding support from the NJSCA prohibited this opportunity for thousands of children in South Jersey.
The joke among some South Jersey Artists claims that NJSCA is an acronym for the NORTH Jersey State Council on the Arts, not the NEW Jersey State Council on the Arts.
We are hopeful the hearings will explore not only the apparent funding discrepancies, but might also question some of the NJSCA's policies and practices. For example, the incomprehensible rationale behind the three (3) year ban on reapplying for general operating support funding after a grant is denied. There appears to be infrequent personal attendance by Council members or their representatives at major South Jersey public performances. How can the council possible judge the quality of artistic performance when their members or designees have not seen, heard, or experience a performance.
The NJSCA has a difficult job at best. However, four years ago I questioned the inequitable distribution of funding between South Jersey and North Jersey Arts groups at a general council meeting, which was simply denied. It would be appropriate for the NJSCA to recognize their error, and provide the appropriate distribution of funding to the South Jersey Arts organizations. It amazes me that an organization such as the Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra can fill Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, and receive a standing ovation, while the NJSCA denies funding due to artistic merit.
Finally, It would be helpful if the NJSCA decisions were logically explained, appeared to be somewhat less arbitrary, and hopefully more supportive. It appears that the NJSCA continues to be part of the problem rather than a means to the solution.