By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that on Wednesday, September 25, they hosted and welcomed Choose New Jersey and economic development officials from various counties to the legendary State Theatre New Jersey to explore how arts and culture drive economic growth and transform communities.
The event included remarks from Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Administrator John A. Pulomena, Department Head of Economic Development Sandy Castor, and Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey, officials stated.
“For generations, the arts have been central to Middlesex County’s identity,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“In 2015, we established the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. To date, this fund has enabled us to make strategic investments in both programming and infrastructure, positioning our County as a leader in arts and culture at a time when many were scaling back. Arts and culture should not be seen as luxuries, they are core pillars of our thriving community and economy.”
“When you look at Middlesex County, you see a place where creativity and innovation are intertwined, where cultural institutions serve as economic drivers, and where our history inspires new ideas,” said Middlesex County Administrator John Pulomena.
“We are creating a destination where people want to live, work, and play; knowing that arts and culture are instrumental in attracting new business, residents, and visitors. Our success is not ours alone, public and private partnerships are the backbone to everything we do here in Middlesex County, New Jersey."
“Arts and culture are vital to economic growth in New Jersey,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey.
“Today’s event at the iconic State Theatre New Jersey highlights how investing in the arts not only enriches our communities but also creates jobs, attracts businesses, and fuels innovation. Middlesex County is leading the way, and Choose New Jersey is proud to partner with the County to ensure that our state continues to be a destination where creativity and innovation thrive together.”
“In Middlesex County, we're not just building an economy, we’re building a legacy where prosperity meets cultural vibrancy,” said Middlesex County Department Head of Economic Development Sandy Castor.
“As the Department Head of Economic Development for Middlesex County, my mission is to continue advancing our vision by driving innovation and building upon our cultural assets to create long-term economic activity.”
Officials say the event featured panel discussions moderated by Lindsay Erben, Director of Middlesex County Arts Institute, and workshops about programs from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey Business Action Center, the Grunin Foundation, the State Theatre New Jersey, the New Jersey Council on the Arts, and others.
Middlesex County is a leading investor in Arts and Culture in New Jersey, officials said. Earlier this year, it launched an online hub for Arts and Culture events throughout the County to ensure that residents can access an array of free or low-cost programming; check out middlesexcountyculture.com.
According to officials, for more information on Middlesex County’s initiatives and investments in arts and culture, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/artsinstitute.