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| Shaping
the arts By Nancy Hutchinson '69 |
Montclair State University sits on a green New Jersey hilltop, but it exerts a powerful influence on the arts far beyond the campus. In places as close as the local community and as far away as China, the University has a profound impact on the visual and performing arts. Some of this influence is the direct result of the University’s outreach, while the work of students, faculty and alumni continues to shape the arts regionally, nationally and worldwide.
Paul Ellis, cultural affairs director for the Township of Montclair, speaks with enthusiasm about the University’s importance to the community. When he embarked on the creation of an arts master plan for the town, he turned to Montclair State for help. School of the Arts (SART) Assistant Dean Ronald Sharps worked with Ellis to strategize the process, conducted community focus groups and committee meetings, and then helped craft the final document.
“At conferences around the country, colleagues tell me that connecting with Montclair State was the smartest thing I’ve ever done,” Ellis said. “The partnership gives us a stature and credibility that we would never enjoy otherwise.”
Ellis points to several collaborations as examples of the University’s involvement with the township. Studio Montclair, a group of local artists, stages an annual show in the University galleries; the Music Department conducted summer workshops for Jazz 2000, a community-organized effort; students and faculty are featured in the township’s Monday Night Jazz concert series; and composer/musician Dean Drummond has performed at First Night Montclair, using the one-of-a-kind Partch Instruments that reside at the University.
“Our involvement with the township’s arts master plan was vitally important for us as a leader in the community,” said Geoffrey Newman, dean of SART. “But the arts plan is just one initiative.”
In December, the University hosted a statewide arts summit to discuss issues important to arts practitioners. Beyond that, the school has supplied resources for dance companies such as Freespace and Amajou, and helped create the Aljira Gallery, where faculty continue to serve as advisers. Professional theater company 12 Miles West was founded by Montclair State alumni, and faculty continue to serve on its board.
Alfred Davis, who has served on the School of the Arts Advisory Board for eight years, currently as president, is passionate about community outreach. A former president of the Montclair Chamber of Commerce, Davis has long fostered town and gown projects, and is delighted that under Montclair State President Susan A. Cole such connections are stronger than ever.
“I’ve found Dr. Cole to be open and energetic,” he said. “My own mission is to incorporate even more students from urban areas into our programming. I love it when we are able to bring students from other areas to campus to experience things like Camp TheatreFest.” (continued)