NJCU Launches Center for the Arts

Creative Umbrella to Showcase Performing, Visual, and Literary Activities

Jersey City, N.J. (September 7, 2016) – New Jersey City University has launched the NJCU Center for the Arts to bring its performing, visual, film, and literary arts activities under one creative umbrella.

Long considered a cultural hub of metro-north Jersey, NJCU boasts an accomplished international faculty in many disciplines, from music to theatre, to media and visual arts, and literature. These professionals mentor students, sharing their knowledge and passion, and also invite renowned guest artists to campus. On any given day or evening, NJCU's theaters and galleries host an array of performances, recitals, lectures, screenings, and exhibitions. In addition, events are presented at local public schools and other area venues.

In announcing the NJCU Center for the Arts, President Sue Henderson commented, “Our University community is rich with talented artists and bold ideas. NJCU is proud to share this abundance of creative energy and inspiring work with our neighbors and all those in the greater Jersey City area who wish to expand their horizons and explore new worlds.”

Dr. Henderson continued, “Our Center for the Arts is comprehensive in its approach to programming and inclusive of diverse expressions of creativity. With the variety of cultural offerings, there’s bound to be something appealing to everyone on our fall calendar.”

NJCU has established an Arts Advisory Board comprised of key individuals in the metropolitan cultural community to assist the University in strengthening and expanding its arts identity and initiatives. Details about the Arts Advisory Board will be announced later this fall.

Highlights of the fall programming include a keynote speech by Tony-Award winning choreographer Bill T. Jones (Nov 15); Surviving and Thriving: Anti-LGBT Bullying in America, with Guest Speaker Sean M. Kosofsky, Executive Director of the Tyler Clementi Foundation (Nov. 2); and screenings of the 2016 winners of the Black Maria Film Festival, which is housed at NJCU and is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year (various dates and locations).

The Department of Music, Dance and Theatre presents mainstage productions of the Broadway and Hollywood hit musical Little Shop of Horrors (Oct. 21-30), Johann Strauss, Jr.’s operetta Die Fledermaus (Nov. 17-20); guest performances by internationally acclaimed Cuban guitarist Iliana Matos (Oct. 9), Audrey Cupples, the first and only female saxophonist in the "President's Own" United States Marine Band (Oct. 26) and jazz pianist Michael Weiss, who has performed with Wynton Marsalis and other jazz greats (Nov. 14). Families and young children will enjoy a special interactive version of Cinderella that combines music and storytelling (Oct.17,19, 21).

In NJCU’s two galleries, the talents of faculty in the NJCU Art Department are on view (Sept. 16 – Oct. 25), along with exhibitions by MFA students (ongoing) and installations by Israeli-born, Brooklyn-based artist Etty Yaniv (Nov. 7 – Dec. 15),

For the full Fall 2016 Calendar of Events for NJCU performing, visual, and literary arts visit www.njcu.edu/arts.  For additional information call 201-200-3426.

All events are open to the public, and for most, admission is free. Mainstage performances are ticketed: tickets may be purchased in advance at www.njcu.edu/arts or in person at the box office, which opens one hour prior to performances.