Q&A with Adam Perle, President & CEO of Artpride New Jersey
You have worked at ArtPride New Jersey, for nearly nine years. Tell us more about the organization and the work that you do.
ArtPride NJ is the leading statewide arts service organization dedicated to representing and championing arts and culture across the entire state. We have a diverse membership base comprising over 320 members, including nonprofit and for-profit entities. Our members range from large performing arts centers, theaters, museums, galleries and grassroots, locally run arts organizations. At ArtPride, we focus on three key areas: advocating for the arts and influencing public policy, marketing and promoting the arts within our state and providing support for professional development in the arts.
Besides being a passionate advocate for the arts in New Jersey, as the president and CEO of ArtPride New Jersey, I am responsible for effectively managing the organization to ensure our staff can carry out their vital work. My job also involves overseeing operations, setting the vision and strategic direction and engaging in long-term planning to drive our mission forward. A crucial aspect of my role involves securing funding to support our initiatives and programs. As with any executive director of a nonprofit, a significant part of my responsibilities revolves around cultivating meaningful partnerships and collaborations that further our goals and enhance our impact.
ArtPride dedicates a significant portion of its efforts towards safeguarding funding and promoting policies prioritizing investment in the arts in New Jersey. Why is this crucial for sustaining and advancing the arts and culture scene in the state?
The arts are an integral part of who we are in New Jersey. They make us unique and add that special touch to our communities. We are lucky that we don't just have pockets of vibrant arts communities — our entire state offers rich cultural experiences.
The arts hold incredible value because they are deeply woven into the fabric of our communities. It's not just about enjoyment; the arts also play a vital role in education. New Jersey leads the way in providing arts exposure in public schools, and studies have shown that it helps kids develop essential skills. The arts also have an impact on healthcare. Art therapy has been proven to be a powerful tool in healing and improving emotional well-being. And let's not forget about the economic side of things! The arts draw people into our communities, supporting local businesses and boosting our economy.
Unfortunately, the arts community has faced some tough times during the pandemic. Performance spaces were shut down, and recovery is still underway. Nurturing and supporting the arts in every way possible is so important — and that's where ArtPride comes in. By safeguarding funding and advocating for policies that prioritize the arts, they ensure that our creative community can keep flourishing.
ArtPride recently held the “Discover Jersey Arts Diner Theatre” pop-up performances at some of New Jersey’s most iconic diners. Could you tell us a bit about the success and goal of the program?
The Discover Jersey Arts’ Diner Theatre program in May was very successful — we sold out all three events! It was a great way to bring together two things that make New Jersey special: our iconic diner culture and vibrant theater scene.
We did this program once before the pandemic hit and were happy to bring it back again. We had three diners (Westmont Diner in Haddon Township, The Broadway Diner in Summit and the 1911 Smokehouse BBQ in Trenton) and three theater companies (Ritz Theatre Co in Haddon Township, Vivid Stages in Summit and Passage Theatre in Trenton) collaborate to create these immersive theater performances specifically designed for each diner.
We wanted everyone to know about this incredible program, so we used Discover Jersey Arts to spread the word. A primary goal of this program is to get people curious about the unique arts opportunities in our state and show them that the arts are accessible to everyone. Events like these open people's eyes to the incredible arts scene we have right here in New Jersey.
How has working with Violet PR helped highlight the work of ArtPride New Jersey?
As a small nonprofit organization with seven full-time employees and limited resources, we often seek outside support to achieve our mission and ambitious goals. Public relations plays a crucial role in our efforts, particularly when we need to promote unique campaigns. Working with Violet PR has been a valuable partnership for us. The team has facilitated many connections and helped us get significant media coverage and interview opportunities. Thanks to their efforts, we are highlighting the vital work of ArtPride New Jersey.
As someone who has lived in New Jersey for their entire life, what are some must-visit spots in the Garden State that you recommend for a weekend trip?
We are lucky that New Jersey has incredible cultural destinations from corner to corner and coast to coast. You can't get me to pick favorites! But I do recommend that people check out the Jersey Arts Road Trip guide. It's the perfect way to explore some of the unique towns throughout the state that offer dining, nightlife, shopping, and accommodation options. The guide highlights some of the best cultural experiences, including theater and visual arts, for people of all ages to enjoy.
Case study
See how Violet PR generated media coverage for the Foundation’s “Keep Jersey Arts Alive,” campaign, as the state’s arts and entertainment venues faced economic hardship during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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