Though it hardly seems possible, it has been six years since I joined the New Jersey State Council on the Arts as Executive Director, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Now the time has come for me to return to another of my passions, the theater. So after March 2nd, you'll be able to find me at:
nick@berkshiretheatregroup.org.
As most of you know, I've grown to truly love New Jersey - especially this amazing, generous, diverse, passionate, talented and endlessly astonishing arts community. Today I just want to say thank you: to the Council that brought me here in 2012 and has worked so tirelessly ever since to keep the arts front and center on the public agenda; to a great, dedicated and mission driven Arts Council staff; for the solid support of our other agency colleagues in the Department of State; for the many new friendships that I will cherish always; and of course, for the golden opportunity to help award $100 million to some of the most worthy artists and arts organizations in America. It doesn't get much better than that.
I am also so pleased to announce that the Council has placed the leadership baton in the sure and capable hands of our outstanding Communications Director Allison Tratner, who will serve as Interim Executive Director upon my departure in March. With Allison's appointment the Council has guaranteed a smooth and seamless transition, continuing the highest level of excellent service to all of our grantees.
Finally, I want you to know that our new Secretary of State Tahesha Way is off to a great start. She has personally visited our offices twice already in only her first few days on the job, and seems totally committed to working closely and cooperatively with Council Members in the years to come - all of which suggests that our future is bright indeed.
Back in the spring of 2016, I had the great privilege of speaking to Rowan University's graduating class of arts majors. At that time I urged them - both as artists and as citizens - to be consequential. You have been consequential for me. I only hope I was able in some small way to return the favor. Thanks so much again for all the wonderful things you do each and every day, to enhance the quality of life for all the people of New Jersey.
- Nick Paleologos
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, created in 1966, is a division of the NJ Department of State. The Council was established to encourage and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey. The Council receives direct appropriations from the State of New Jersey through a dedicated, renewable Hotel/Motel Occupancy fee, as well as competitive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more about the Council, please visit www.artscouncil.nj.gov.
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