Idamis Perez-Margicin, Division Chief

Mercer County's Cultural and Heritage Commission works to enrich the lives of County residents and visitors through the promotion of art, cultural and historic activities and sites by supporting County-based arts and history organizations, as well as by offering special cultural events for the public and opportunities for local artists.

Programs and services are offered through the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage, the government arm of the Commission. The Division offers two grant programs for local non-profits: a Local Arts Program Grant, offered through a State/County Block Grant Partnership from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) with funding from the National Endowment of the Arts; and a Mercer County History Regrant program, offered in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission.

The Division hosts three annual cultural festivals: Teen Arts Festival, Cultural Festival & Food Truck Rally, and Fiesta Latina. It also sponsors an annual Mercer County Artists exhibition and a biennial Mercer County Photo exhibition. It partners with the County's Office on Aging in offering the annual Mercer County Senior Art Show, and administers the statewide New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show as a co-sponsor with the NJSCA. "Purchase Award Winners" from the Mercer County Artists and Photo shows become a part of the County's Permanent Art Collection, on display at the McDade Administration Building in Trenton. The Division also distributes a free quarterly newsletter highlighting local events, opportunities and cultural news, and also assists with many of the County's Special Projects involving Mercer County's arts, history and cultural offerings.

Contacts for annual/biennial events:

Cultural Festival: culturalfestival@mercercounty.org
Teen Arts Festival: teenarts@mercercounty.org
Mercer County Artist or Mercer County Photography Show: ltramo@mercercounty.org
Mercer County Senior Art Show: kturek@mercercounty.org
New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show: cultureandheritage@mercercounty.org 

ADA Compliance Statements:

ADA Non-Discrimination Policy

The Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage (MCDC&H) is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and access to all in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (the “ADA”), and applicable state and local law. Accordingly, the MCDC&H prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of a physical or mental disability, perceived disability, or record of such a disability.

The MCDC&H will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees if the reasonable accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would create undue hardship.

The MCDC&H strives to make its venues, public amenities, website and workplace accessible and an enjoyable experience for all. Inquiries should be directed orally or in writing to the Division Chief to process all requests for assistance. Upon request, within at least two weeks notification, exhibit or event information will be made available in alternative formats such as large print documents, sign interpretation and captioning for virtual programs.

Advanced Notification Policy

If you require an accommodation or service (i.e. ASL, Open Captioning, Audio Description, etc.), please contact the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage (MCDC&H) at LTramo@mercercounty.org or (609) 278-2712. Please make all email subject lines read “ADA Accommodations.” Please make requests at least two weeks prior to your scheduled visit.

Accessibility Statement

The Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage (MCDC&H) is fully committed to ensuring that accessibility guidelines and requirements as set forth by the federal government and state of New Jersey are implemented in as timely and efficient a manner as possible. The MCDC&H has been consistently responsive to making events, workshops and additional public activities accessible for all people with disabilities and will continue to strive to provide the utmost accessible experience possible. We continue to reach out to and provide assistance and appropriate accommodation.

The MCDC&H trains its staff and volunteers in order to encourage superior and effective communication and the practice of effective and sensitive techniques to serve members of the community with disabilities. The MCDC&H is also committed to exercising best practice and outreach in regards to employing persons with disabilities, both in artistic and administrative/operational areas.

The MCDC&H regularly reviews its policies and procedures to adapt, accommodate and address any issues or problems that might arise in regard to ADA compliance and will regularly assess its progress in achieving full compliance.

ADA Compliance Grievance Procedure

This procedure is meant to provide an internal mechanism for the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage (MCDC&H) to be used in the event of a complaint received from its public regarding accessibility. This procedure will also to assure commentary in reference to the organization’s policies concerning ADA compliance. Every effort will be made to satisfy the complainant at the earliest stages of interaction, based upon the organization’s increasing capacity to provide for full physical and programmatic access.

Information Gathering

The Division will communicate with the complainant to determine the nature of the complaint, and create an open dialogue with the complainant. Depending upon the location of the complaint, other staff may be involved in this initial process. The goal of this exchange is to address the complainant’s need as quickly and positively as possible, within the scope of the organization’s ability to meet that need, and to use that information to assess future needs determinations. The Division will document all information received.

Complainant Unsatisfied

Following the initial Interview, if the client is not satisfied by the initial information gathering process/interview and proposed resolution, the Division will refer the complainant to the County’s Title VI Coordinator in the Department of Personnel. The complainant will need to prepare a written description of the problem which must include: Name, Address, telephone number of complainants, detailed description of complaint, including date and time, location of access barrier, client’s recommendation for resolution, and written complaint.

The Division will assure the complainant that the purposes of further review is to ensure that a solution is devised that will meet the needs of the client to the best of its ability.

Reviews of Written Complaint

Review of the complaint will take place within 30 (thirty) days after receipt of written complaint. The County’s Title VI Coordinator will consider: Is the complaint valid? Was access denied? What were the circumstances of the denied access? Is this a standard or unusual condition? Was lack of access a result of policy, and if so, is a new policy warranted? What must happen for access? Are there possible alternatives? Are there any mitigating factors that would limit resolution to the problem? What is to be done to assure success in the future? Will the solution demand funding? If so, how will it be funded and on what timeline? What follow-up should be done with complainant and by whom?

Resolution of Complaint

A recommended and agreed upon resolution will be implemented. Complainant must sign documentation agreeing upon the resolution. 

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