Arts & Culture
Montclair is proud to serve our community through a vibrant range of arts and cultural programming that connects audiences with creativity, innovation and shared experiences. From inspiring music performances and dynamic musical theatre productions to thought-provoking art exhibitions and engaging film events, our programs invite students and the public to experience the arts in meaningful and accessible ways.
Whether you are attending a performance, exploring a gallery or discovering a new artistic perspective, we welcome you to engage with the rich cultural opportunities offered across our campus.
Cali Immersive Residency
A reimagined professional residency program at the John J. Cali School of Music, where week-long residencies with top artists and ensembles offer students immersive opportunities to collaborate, learn and explore the evolving, often nontraditional landscape of music today.
Cali Midweek Concerts
These concerts present students, faculty and guest artists in engaging small ensemble performances every Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Leshowitz Recital Hall in Chapin Hall. Featuring a diverse array of musical performances and educational events, the series showcases the immense talent and artistry of our students, faculty and esteemed guest performers.
Cali Pathways Project
The Cali Pathways Project empowers talented and motivated students in grades 8-12 by helping them overcome barriers that may otherwise limit their ability to achieve their full musical potential. Through mentorship, education and meaningful artistic opportunities, the program creates a pathway to higher education and beyond, inspiring young musicians to grow, succeed and become part of a vibrant musical community.
Classic Films Now: 1976
A nation distrusts its institutions. News has become spectacle. Ordinary people fight to matter. Welcome to 1976.
“Classic Films Now” launches in 2026 with a three-film series devoted to this landmark year in American cinema shaped by Watergate, Vietnam, urban crisis and the Bicentennial. All the President’s Men, Network, and Rocky return to the big screen with urgent relevance this fall in a new PEAK Performances series. Screenings will be introduced and hosted by film critic Rafer Guzmán.
Finley Gallery
Directed by the Department of Art & Design, the Finley Gallery showcases innovative student work that reflects the creativity, talent and artistic excellence of the University community. Through dynamic exhibitions and collaborations, the gallery connects campus and public audiences while fostering creativity, cultural exchange, global awareness and engagement with New Jersey’s diverse communities.
PEAK Performances
PEAK Performances brings world-class live performances to the community through innovative, accessible and engaging artistic experiences that connect arts and ideas. By presenting dynamic professional productions and fostering meaningful connections between students, faculty, staff and local residents, PEAK Performances creates opportunities for audiences to experience inspiring work that sparks conversation, creativity and community engagement.
Theatre and Dance
Our Department of Theatre and Dance presents a dynamic season of plays, musicals, dance concerts and original works, with students involved in every aspect of the creative process. Throughout the season, students collaborate with acclaimed guest artists, directors, choreographers and designers from across the industry, bringing professional perspectives directly into the classroom and onto the stage. Tickets range from free to $25 and offer audiences the opportunity to experience exceptional live performance while discovering the next generation of artists.
University Galleries
The Montclair State University Galleries bring together artists, ideas, perspectives and dialogues to foster curiosity and shared understanding through art. Through professional exhibitions and public programs featuring regional, national and international artists, the Galleries inspire critical thinking and create meaningful connections between the University and the local and global community.