The City of Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs supports and celebrates the diverse community and rich heritage of Jersey City. OCA is a proponent and advocate for the arts in Jersey City, providing opportunities, resources, and education for artists of all disciplines.
2023 Year In Review
The Office of Cultural Affairs coordinated and executed numerous art fairs, cultural festivals, flag raisings and performing arts events in 2023. Highlights of these events are captured in the attached Year In Review.
To view The Office of Cultural Affairs’ 2023 Year In Review please, CLICK HERE
2022 Year In Review
The City of Jersey City returned to a full season of programming for the first time since 2019. Cultural Affairs recorded an average attendance increase of 20% (pre-pandemic) at Public Events, while continuing its efforts to grow Jersey City as a regional destination for arts and culture.
To view The Office of Cultural Affairs’ 2022 Year In Review on your desk top (high resolution) please, CLICK HERE
To view The Office of Cultural Affairs’ 2022 Year In Review on a mobile device (low resolution) please, CLICK HERE
2021 Year In Review
2021 was a year of large initiatives and reconnecting with the community. The Office of Cultural Affairs launched major projects and continued its work of supporting arts and cultural organizations across the city.
To view the Office of Cultural Affairs’ 2021 Year in Review, please CLICK HERE
2020 Year in Review
In 2020, The Office of Cultural Affairs pivoted to a virtual platform. We produced impactful programming within the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, forging a path to keep the people and communities of Jersey City engaged, connected, and safe.
View the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs’ 2020 Year in Review CLICK HERE
2019 Year in Review
2019 was a year of new initiatives to serve and support our artists, growing partnerships with cultural organizations, and planting the seeds of long-range planning for our sector.
View the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs’ 2019 Year in Review HERE and follow along as we move this work forward into 2020.
Arts and Culture Trust Fund
The Arts and Culture Trust Fund, established by the City of Jersey City in 2020, aims to provide financial support to artist and cultural organizations to create, produce, and present artistic projects. These grants represent a significant investment in the creative talents of Jersey City and underscore the city’s commitment to fostering a thriving arts scene for residents and visitors alike.
Mural Arts Program
Initiated in 2013 and funded by a Clean Communities Grant, the Jersey City Mural Arts Program links established and emerging local, national and international mural artists with property owners citywide as part of an innovative beautification program that reduces graffiti, engages local residents and transforms Jersey City into an outdoor art gallery.
Special Event Permitting
Events held on public property (parades, festivals, park events, street fairs, farmers markets etc.) require a Special Event Permit managed by the Office of Cultural Affairs. Visit our Permitting page for more information, CLICK HERE
Mary McLeod Bethune Center
The Bethune Center became part of the Office of Cultural Affairs in January 2020. Located in the Greenville community of Jersey City, it has become an epicenter for creativity and inspiration. It offers residents and visitors an unparalleled experience to engage in cultural arts, fitness, wellness, and
educational activities. Dedicated to preserving the culture of Jersey City and enhancing interactions amongst diverse groups, The Bethune Center offers
a welcoming atmosphere for adults, seniors, and families. The Center also serves the community by providing space for meetings, workshops, training
seminars, and classes, as well as rental space for private events and expos.
For additional information on the Mary McLeod Center please CLICK HERE
Apple Tree House
The Apple Tree House is a historic home and history museum located in Bergen Square. It has undergone a decades-long, $3.2M restoration. In 2022, the house was passed to the Museum of Jersey City History at Apple Tree House. MJCH will curate exhibitions, public events, theater performances, and panel discussions on the grounds.
CLICK HERE for additional information on The Museum of Jersey City History
Social media:
IG @museumjchistory
Facebook /mjchistory
Summer in the City
Each Summer, the Office of Cultural Affairs presents a robust roster of free, live music and performing arts across Jersey City during the months of June, July and August. These events include the long-standing SummerFest on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Liberty State Park, Summer Dance Series on J. Owen Grundy Pier, Movies in the Park and Berry Lane Park Concert Series.
Growing Online Presence
Follow Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs on social media!
Facebook: @JerseyCityCulturalAffairs
Instagram: @jcartandculture
Twitter: @JCArtCulture