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Hackensack Today
By the People, for the People
Hackensack Performing Arts Center Receives $500,000 Grant For Illumination 250 Festival
The funding will support a regional arts and cultural festival celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:04am
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The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to support ILLUMINATION 250, a regional arts and cultural festival scheduled for October 3, 2026. The event will feature performances, public art, and community activities designed to highlight the city's cultural diversity and increase foot traffic to local businesses.
Why it matters
The ILLUMINATION 250 festival is a collaborative effort between HACPAC and several local organizations to bring people together through the arts and drive economic growth in Hackensack's downtown area. The $500,000 grant will enable HACPAC to present a large-scale celebration that showcases the community's diversity and cultural offerings.
The details
The funding is part of NJEDA's A.R.T. Phase II program, which distributed $15 million to arts organizations across the state. ILLUMINATION 250 will expand programming across multiple downtown locations, including Atlantic Street Park, Anderson Street Park, Banta Place, Demarest Place, and the Courthouse Green. Planned programming includes a community puppet procession, a large-scale projection and light installation, and a participatory 'MP3 Experiment' audio event. Additional events will feature cultural performances, family-focused activities, and a culinary initiative offering samples from Main Street restaurants.
- ILLUMINATION 250 is scheduled for October 3, 2026.
- Community engagement activities will begin in advance of the festival.
The players
Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC)
A performing arts center in Hackensack, New Jersey that is organizing the ILLUMINATION 250 festival.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
The state agency that awarded a $500,000 grant to HACPAC to support the ILLUMINATION 250 festival.
Lynne Algrant
The president of HACPAC.
Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
One of the collaborating organizations for the ILLUMINATION 250 festival.
Main Street Business Alliance
One of the collaborating organizations for the ILLUMINATION 250 festival.
What they’re saying
“This $500,000 grant enables us to present a regional celebration, Illumination 250, and bring people together through the arts. Illumination 250 is by the people and for the people—a chance to celebrate our community's diversity, break down barriers, and drive real economic growth on Main Street and beyond.”
— Lynne Algrant, President, Hackensack Performing Arts Center
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This grant-funded festival represents a collaborative effort to showcase Hackensack's cultural diversity, drive economic growth in the downtown area, and bring the community together through the arts to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
