Q&A with Chris Sabin, Director of Communications & Social Impact at Newark Symphony Hall
Chris Sabin
Director of Communications & Social Impact at Newark Symphony Hall
It’s been almost a year since you joined the team at Newark Symphony Hall as the organization’s first director of communications and social impact. Tell us about your past career and role at New Jersey’s largest Black-led arts and entertainment venues.
I joined Newark Symphony Hall in February 2022, but I had been a fan of the venue from afar for a long time. Before taking on this position as the organization's first director of communications and social impact, I held various management roles at MTV Networks, UWG and Prime Access. I also did independent marketing, events and talent consultant for clients, including the NAACP for its Leadership Summit, National Convention and Image Awards. I led health awareness projects as program director for Novartis’ “Be Sickle Smart” campaign and diabetic research foundations. Aside from that, I proudly served on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education for three years.
My role at Newark Symphony Hall involves a combination of projects, programming, and community outreach. Being one of the liaisons between the institution and the community felt natural for me with my background experience. We aim to work together and leverage our assets to do things effectively. One example of that partnership was with Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District and Mighty Writers. We worked together to host a Haunted Hallway and Trunk or Treat for local families, which over 1,300 people attended! There are only 10-12 people on staff at Newark Symphony Hall — it's limited — reaching out and partnering with our community organizations has been vital to successful events.
Talia L. Young
Interim CEO of Newark Symphony Hall
We’re excited for the next chapter of Newark Symphony Hall being led by long-time board member Talia L. Young. What plans are in the works to continue highlighting the cultural pillar NSH continues to be?
We’re excited to have Talia as Interim CEO of Newark Symphony Hall. She has served on the NSH board since 2014 and understands the organization's needs. Like our former president and CEO, Taneshia Nash Laird, Talia is committed to the restoration and revival of the institution. She also wants to expand NSH’s accessibility and community engagement efforts — things I find promising.
Because the organization is currently in a transition period, we have decided to lean into a different perspective, focusing on three themes: “Art is Impact,” “Art is Service” and “Art is Now.”
The first mission is to make an impact by elevating the Newark Arts & Education District to attract talent. We intend to do that by facilitating membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE) union to create more attractive employment opportunities. We also aim to create substantial opportunities to support local small businesses and create jobs for residents.
Through “Art is Service,” our mission is to serve the performing arts community — particularly artists and performers of color — by creating access to the arts via artistic employment, education and career advancement. In addition, we will increase our philanthropic efforts to ensure our community has access to fresh food, produce and winter clothing needs.
We also want to solidify Newark Symphony Hall as a preeminent destination for cultural expression, becoming the stage for artists to share new creative works. The “Art is Now” mission is to elevate the first stage of Newark to its full potential as a cultural asset and economic cornerstone. We aim to grow our membership base to include a broader audience, both geographically and demographically. These efforts will stimulate economic development and deliver artistic excellence and improved quality of life in New Jersey’s cultural capital.
It’s an exciting time for Newark Symphony Hall, and I cannot wait to see the fruits of our efforts!
How does working with Violet PR help highlight Newark Symphony Hall’s events, community programs and educational opportunities?
Working with Violet PR has been very beneficial for Newark Symphony Hall. The team turns things around efficiently and effectively, and communication is at the forefront. I appreciate that I can pick up the phone and talk to the people handling our campaigns when needed.
You work in the arts. Tell us some of your favorite musicians, artists and performers.
I’ve been fortunate to see a lot of performers throughout my career and work in marketing. It’s difficult to choose! The first concert I attended was Earth, Wind & Fire, and they remain my favorite band. Stevie Wonder is also up there. I've been lucky to have seen them both perform live several times. Another stand out for me is Chris Rock. I saw him perform at Madison Square Garden and Dave Chapelle showed up to do a surprise set. It was an amazing show! I appreciate artists who can tie a story together and make you laugh and think at the same time.
Newark Symphony Hall
EMPLOYING THE ARTS AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL