New Jersey Performing Arts Center Welcomes ADP as its Inaugural Community Engagement Partner

On Jul 10, 2017

As part of the celebration of its 20th anniversary season, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is proud to designate Roseland-based ADP as its first Community Engagement Partner.

Dedicated funding from ADP will enable the Arts Center’s Department of Community Engagement to introduce and expand many events offered free to the public, such as dance workshops, children’s reading circles, jazz jams, and panel discussions.

The new alliance reflects both partners’ missions to promote the immense diversity of New Jersey’s population and support cultural enrichment through the arts. NJPAC’s Community Engagement Department presents nearly 200 events each season, both on-site and at locations throughout Greater Newark.

“NJPAC cares deeply about its community, and the happy news is that we now have a great partner in ADP, whose team members are involved in hundreds of volunteer opportunities throughout the State,” said John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC. “The partnership will enable us to reach thousands of citizens through a myriad of events each season. These free events celebrate culture and community and allow NJPAC to grow its boundary-less campus through programming in neighborhoods near and far.”
“Thanks to the generosity of ADP, our footprint in the community will become even more substantial and meaningful,” said Donna Walker-Kuhne, NJPAC’s  Senior Advisor, Community Engagement. “ADP shares our commitment to diversity and inclusion, making this an exciting collaboration, full of possibilities.”

“At ADP, we believe it is our responsibility to make a positive impact on the communities in which we work and live,” said Rita Mitjans, ADP’s Chief Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer.  “Through the ADP Foundation, we provide monetary support to the causes and non-profit organizations that align with our company values and corporate social responsibility focus areas. We are proud to serve as NJPAC’s Community Engagement Partner and help deliver these important arts programs to our community.”

As the State’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC is dedicated to forging and strengthening relationships in the community through arts learning programs, civic dialogues and performances. These free events are presented in libraries, churches, colleges, urban parks, community centers and transit hubs.

The following are examples of current Arts Center programs that will benefit from ADP’s role as Community Engagement Partner:

• Books on the Move. Begun in a handful of venues two years ago, this popular event is expected to increase to 30 locales this season. Children (grades K-5) enjoy an interactive book reading and discussion about an artist, such as choreographer Alvin Ailey or jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, and receive a complimentary copy of the book;
• Jazz Jam Sessions. Free jazz concerts for aspiring musicians and pros, directed by pianist and bandleader James Austin, Jr., at Clement’s  Place, the new Rutgers University-Newark club space at 15 Washington St. in Newark;
• NJPAC Stage Exchange.  An initiative developed by NJPAC and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance to advance the work of the State’s emerging playwrights. Three dramatists partner with three professional theaters, which give full productions to the works-in-progress upon completion. Dramatic readings, audience Q&As and master classes with high school students are other components of the program;
• Preludes. Lobby concerts, especially featuring student ensembles, held prior to mainstage curtains in Prudential Hall;
• Dance Workshops. Liturgical and modern dance instruction, and master classes with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, at NJPAC and other sites;
• Panels. Past topics discussed by experts and academics include “Planet Rock: The Afro-Asiatic Origin of Hip Hop Past, Present and Future,”  “Dancemakers on Diversity: Sharing Common Ground in a Multicultural Art” and “Fela! Afrobeat Party.”

In addition, the funds will be used to enhance the entertainment offerings at NJPAC’s family celebrations during the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend and Kwanzaa. ADP also will provide skills-building strategies to volunteers serving on the Community Engagement Department’s Advisory Council, a consortium of six committees: Dance, Council of Elders, Faith-Based, Jazz, Latino, and LGBTQ.

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