Marcy Thompson
A new day is dawning for the arts in Maplewood.
The township has always boasted a thriving art and culture scene and an active community of actors, playwrights, filmmakers, artists, dancers and writers.
“Maplewood is full of vibrant and creative people,” said Marcy Thompson, who became the township’s Director of Cultural Affairs last year. “But I didn’t really see events that reflected that. We needed a bigger vision.”
That vision was given a huge boost a few weeks ago, when the Township Committee voted to create the Maplewood Arts Council (MAC). The new entity has several goals: reach new and diverse audiences through expanded arts programming; consolidate promotion and marketing of arts events; strengthen the connection between the arts and the local business community, and provide arts education programming.
The idea was conceived in the course of discussions begun last summer between members of the Township Committee and the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Previously, the advisory committee ArtsMaplewood (which has now been dissolved) promoted events at the Burgdorff Center, including The Strollers and What Exit? theater companies.
“I suggested trying to broaden our efforts to be concerned about all cultural activities in the community, and to focus more on promotion of the arts and on Maplewood as an arts destination,” said Township Committee member Jerry Ryan.
Ryan hopes the MAC will attract out-of-town visitors to Maplewood, as well as forge alliances between the arts community and civic organizations and local businesses. Thompson agreed. “The economic health of the town can be positively impacted through the arts community,” she said.
Burgdorff Center
For example, Thompson said, the MAC might present a concert series in Ricalton Square which would draw people to eat and shop in the village. Or, it could partner with the Maplewood Village Alliance or the Springfield Avenue Partnership to offer promotional packages involving arts events and local shops and eateries.
Thompson said she sees the arts as a natural way to build a sense of community and celebrate local talent. “We want to bring in the greatest number of audiences to the greatest number of events,” she said.
MAC will be governed by a seven-member board of directors, which will be announced within the next few weeks. Thompson said they are all Maplewood residents who represent the business, arts education, publicity, development, and community service sectors.
Unlike the recently dismantled Montclair Arts Counci , which lost all of its township funding, the Maplewood council will not receive financial support from the town. Instead, the board will actively seek grants, sponsorships and other funding sources. “They will be an active board who will hit the ground running,” she said.
In another exciting development that has locals aglow, it was revealed that the long-rumored buyer of Maplewood’s beloved Woman’s Club was local philanthropist Tom Kerns. Kerns – president and founder of The HK Community Fund – has said that he plans to preserve and renovate the historic building, including restoring its theater and turning it into a new venue for arts and community events.
“I’m delighted,” said Ryan. “We have asked Tom to serve as a member of the Maplewood Arts Council and we are excited to have his participation.”
But wait, there’s more: The HK Community Fund’s arts and culture division is joining forces with and providing foundational support to the arts organization Studio B – the folks behind the Celluloid Candy family film series, Story Slam and other popular performance events.
Clearly, it is a good time for arts and culture in Maplewood. “There is a huge influx of energy and ideas here,” said Thompson. “And that’s exciting!”
