The East Brunswick Arts Coalition (EBAC) distributed approximately $15,000 in grants to various arts and cultural groups based in the township.
The monies awarded on March 5 are designated to be used in creating new arts, historical or culturally-themed programming within East Brunswick.
During the evening, which took place at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in East Brunswick, Mayor Brad Cohen and the EBAC distributed grants to the East Brunswick Arts Commission ,East Brunswick Museum Corp., East Brunswick Historical Society, The Human Relations Council and Playhouse 22.
“I am thrilled and delighted that the East Brunswick Arts Coalition can provide funding to these amazing organizations so that they can continue to create programming that brings arts, history and cultural programs to life in our town,” Marla Camins, president of EBAC, said in a statement provided by the EBAC. “It’s rewarding to see our mission of supporting the arts in East Brunswick come to fruition with these grants, which were made possible by the generosity of local individuals and businesses who are committed to supporting a vibrant culture in East Brunswick.”
Founded under the tutelage of Cohen in 2019, the EBAC is made up of township residents, as well as business and community leaders, with a focus to provide financial support for arts and cultural programming in East Brunswick.
Last summer, the EBAC provided funding to Playhouse 22 to help launch the inaugural Summer Stage Under the Stars production of “Footloose” at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center. More than 6,000 people attended the show during its run.
“I am incredibly happy to see the East Brunswick Arts Coalition provide the support needed to each of our arts and cultural committees here in town,” Cohen said in the statement. “This is exactly what was envisioned in creating the organization and I proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far.”
During the evening, Playhouse 22 Executive Producer Adam Neary announced to the crowd that the theater would be staging a new production during it’s second Summer Theater in the Park series.
A portion of the funds re-distributed during the evening were donated to the EBAC from private businesses and individuals including, but not limited to: The Landis Group, Raritan Pharmaceuticals, The East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce and Jane Mueller of RE/MAX of East Brunswick, according to the statement.