On March 16, a bill requiring the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to establish an Artist District designation for municipalities cleared an important hurdle as it was released by the Assembly of Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.

"New Jersey has a thriving arts community that deserves a special designation," said Taliaferro (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem). "Municipalities are always looking for more ways to market, fund, and recognize the work created in their communities. 'Artist District' designation will open doors for municipalities to do all of these things." The proposed legislation tasks the New Jersey State Council on the Arts with creating criteria for a municipality to be designated as an Artist District. The Artist District may include the minimum number of art related services and venues, such as businesses, galleries, museums, organizations performance halls, studios, theaters or other facilities, that must be located in the municipality or within the area of the municipality. The legislation also stipulates that no more than 25 municipalities or areas within municipalities may be designated as an Artist District.