By Raymond E. Mingst
Dear Editor, Fellow Jersey City Residents, New Jersey Residents, Gov. Murphy, Mrs. Murphy, Mayor Fulop, Cultural Affairs Director Goodman, and Chairperson O’Toole:
Whether or not you ever visit Pompidou x Jersey City, its presence will benefit you. If you do visit, the benefits multiply profoundly.
“To further the appreciation of culture among all the people, to increase respect for the creative individual, to widen participation by all the processes and fulfillments of art – this is one of the fascinating challenges of these days.” This inspiring 20th-century quote is now supported by 21st-century data, underscoring the importance of this noble challenge.
John F. Kennedy captured the extraordinary significance of cultural institutions in shaping our society in the quote above. Through such visionary leadership, we can realize the transformative potential of establishing an international cultural institution in Jersey City. This endeavor is not just about creating a museum; it is about fostering unity, economic growth, and cultural enrichment for all.
We must come together, setting aside political differences, to focus on the shared benefits this project will bring. By uniting in support of this initiative, we can ensure our community reaps the substantial cultural and economic rewards that a world-class institution offers. This is a moment to demonstrate our collective commitment to the greater good, transcending partisan divides to achieve something truly remarkable.
The success of Pompidou x Jersey City requires continued visionary leadership, a quality that transcends political boundaries. It takes courage and foresight to invest in our cultural heritage and economic future. By embracing this project, we are not only preserving our legacy but also paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Pompidou x Jersey City will serve as a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence, providing residents and visitors with access to world-class exhibitions, educational programs, events, workshops, and lectures that foster community engagement and lifelong learning. This will create a vibrant cultural hub for people of all ages.
Establishing a major cultural institution can put our town on the global map, attracting tourists and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Museums are catalysts for economic development. The construction and operation of such an institution would create numerous jobs, from construction workers to museum staff, contributing to local employment. According to the American Alliance of Museums, museums and other nonprofit cultural organizations return more than $5 in tax revenues for every $1 they receive in funding from all levels of government.
Failing to capitalize on this opportunity would be akin to leaving money on the table. The financial injection and ongoing economic activity generated by a world-renowned cultural institution can drive sustainable growth and prosperity for our town. Let us honor our shared values and aspirations by bringing this project to fruition.
Raymond E. Mingst is an interdisciplinary artist, co-founder of Curious Matter in Jersey City; a New Jersey State Council of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship recipient, and a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
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