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<\/a><\/p>\nBy John Heinis\/Hudson County View<\/p>\n
\u201cChristine Goodman built the arts infrastructure this city runs on. Before there was an Arts & Culture Trust Fund, before there was a Poet Laureate, before JC Fridays \u2014 there was Christine, making the case that Jersey City\u2019s artists deserved real investment and a real seat at the table,\u201d Solomon said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe won that argument, and every artist working in this city today is better off for it. On behalf of the entire city: thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deputy Chief of Staff Kristel Asqui-Mejia will serve as acting director of the Office of Cultural Affairs effective Monday, August 31st.<\/p>\n
Under her leadership, the Office of Cultural Affairs grew from a small municipal office into a national model for how a city can invest in its creative community, according to the mayor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
This was made possible through administering competitive grants, commissioning public art, shaping cultural policy, and coordinating more than 400 events, festivals, along with performances each year.<\/p>\n
Goodman\u2019s signature achievement is the Arts & Culture Trust Fund, the first municipal fund of its kind in New Jersey.<\/p>\n
Since its creation, the fund has invested more than $5 million in over 500 artists and cultural organizations through competitive grants, arts education funding, general operating support, and individual artist fellowships.<\/p>\n
Goodman also strengthened the City\u2019s cultural infrastructure through major institutional partnerships, including supporting the New Jersey Symphony\u2019s move to Jersey City and the restoration of the Loews Jersey Theatre.<\/p>\n
She helped bring Jersey City its first official Poet Laureate in partnership with the Jersey City Arts Council, and turned vacant space at the Journal Square PATH Station into the Commuter Gallery, a public arts venue seen by tens of thousands of riders.<\/p>\n
Goodman also advanced the City\u2019s long-term cultural strategy through a Cultural Asset Map developed with New Jersey City University, now Kean Jersey City.<\/p>\n
Most recently, she led Jersey City\u2019s first-ever citywide study of the nonprofit arts and culture sector, and produced the City\u2019s annual July 4th celebration alongside a full slate of cultural programming for the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n
\u201c25 years ago, I believed Jersey City could be a place where artists could build a life, not just pass through. What I\u2019ve watched happen since has exceeded anything I imagined,\u201d Goodman stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis work was made possible because of the artists, organizers, and neighbors who kept showing up. It has been the privilege of my career to serve them, and I leave knowing this work is in good hands.\u201d<\/p>\n