The Exchange Place Alliance invested nearly $1 million in 2025 to purchase, install,
restore and maintain public art throughout Jersey City — marking the largest annual
public art expenditure by a not-for-profit organization in the city’s history.
The impact of its efforts is everywhere.
According to the 2023 Arts & Economic Prosperity Report from Americans for the Arts,
the arts and culture sector generated $45.95 million in total economic activity in Jersey
City, underscoring the role of creative investment in the city’s vitality and quality of life.
“Public art is a vital component of a city’s cultural ecosystem,” Exchange Place Alliance
Executive Director Deidre Reynolds said. “It reflects who we are, what we value, and
how we invite people to experience public space. Investments like this ensure that art is
not an afterthought, but a permanent and visible part of Jersey City’s identity.”
Reynolds said the landmark investment advances the Alliance’s long-term placemaking
strategy, strengthening public spaces through accessible, high-quality art while
increasing the cultural and civic value of the Alliance’s Special Improvement District.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Alliance did in 2025:
- It dedicated over $250,000 to the restoration and conservation of four significant
civic monuments: The Jersey City Police Memorial, Soldiers and Sailors
Monument, Philippine Plaza Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial; - It invested more than $250,000 in the acquisition and installation of six new
public artworks, expanding the Alliance’s growing waterfront public art corridor
and introducing new works to the Powerhouse Arts District, including an
inaugural curated window installation; - It acquired three additional sculptures for approximately $200,000, with installation planned for the 108 1st Street walkway and other TBA locations throughout the district, further extending the Alliance’s public art footprint;
- It invested nearly $200,000 in the development of the Alliance’s art wall initiative
and the conservation of existing artworks, supporting both emerging and
established artists while ensuring long-term care and public access.
Exchange Place Alliance Chair Mike DeMarco said placemaking is essential to
establishing Jersey City as a great city.
“Ensuring that residents, workers and visitors can enjoy and engage, with public art is a
vital part of our mission,” he said.
The Exchange Place Alliance encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at
enhancing the quality of life and experience within the district. Its primary focus is on
large-scale capital improvements that reimagine public spaces, alongside cultural
programming and community events that activate the public realm, attract new
businesses, and support those already rooted in the district.
