The Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission was established by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders on January 9, 1969. By encouraging creative and cultural expressions through inclusiveness and education, the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission promotes public interest in the arts and the preservation of culture and heritage.

The Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission will be the primary leader and catalyst in promoting the arts and cultural heritage in Ocean County.

The Commission of nine members and its staff constitutes the central county agency charged with advocating for the arts and humanities in Ocean County. It develops, fosters, and evaluates programs and services in the arts and history which further the growth and knowledge of the County's cultural and heritage resources. The staff works directly with individuals, organizations, and community groups, as well as municipal, state, regional, and federal agencies to enhance and advance local arts and history activities.

Visit our  Out & About Online Event Calendar for information on events in Ocean County. For more information about Out & About submissions click here Our free publication Out & About Ocean County is produced four times annually, highlighting arts, cultural & heritage events taking place in Ocean County. The news guide features an event listing, articles spotlighting an event and its producing organization, other relevant cultural topics, news and updates from the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

For more information on our Consultation Services click here

Please click here for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Roll Call survey.

2010 Local History Program grants (for funding from July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010) are available now.

To download the forms and guidelines for Local History Program grants click here

2010 Local Arts Program grants (for funding from January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010) are available now.

To download the forms and guidelines for Local Arts Program Grants click here