Signed Into Law: Kean Bill Supporting Jersey-Based Artists

Senator Tom Kean’s legislation to empower municipalities to reshape their downtowns, commercial districts and neighborhoods into vital, cultural incubators for Jersey-based artists has been signed into law.

His law, S-521, establishes a special designation that municipalities can use to promote artists living and working in New Jersey and across the United States.

“Look across New Jersey, and you will see concrete examples of how the arts play an integral role in our ongoing efforts to build vibrant communities,” said Kean, a longtime supporter of the arts. “Jersey-based artists support local jobs and foster statewide economic growth. This new law empowers these job creators to stay in New Jersey.”

Kean’s new law provides New Jersey municipalities the ability to create an “Artist District” within a town. Under S-512, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts will be charged with establishing the requirements necessary to receive the designation.

Additionally, the law requires the council to partner with the State Division of Travel and Tourism to help advertise and market districts that have received the designation.