This is the first installment in our Jersey Gives a Damn Podcast series on the Arts in New Jersey. With help from our guests, we better understand the arts landscape in the state: what makes our art scene special, what value it brings, and how arts, artistry, and arts organizations are faring in a state which has been in the shadow of its neighbors, New York and Philadelphia, but that has an identity and vibrant history all its own. And we learn that art's value is not just in the beauty and enjoyment of the art itself, but in how it plays a critical role in strengthening and holding up communities—including in surprising ways. You'll like this episode.

Our host, Aaron Turner, is thrilled to be joined by Lynne Toye of the NJ Arts & Culture Renewal Fund; Adam Perle, President & CEO of ArtsPrideNJ; and Alysia Souder, Executive Director, the Institute of Music for Children.

Learn more about their organizations here:

https://njartsculture.org

https://artpridenj.org

https://www.instituteofmusic.org/