Middlesex County publicly unveils MiddlesexCountyCulture.com
Middlesex County publicly unveils MiddlesexCountyCulture.com
New online cultural hub invites all residents to discover local arts, history, folklife, and culture events
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – As part of Middlesex County’s continued commitment to and investment in quality of life, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners alongside the Arts Institute of Middlesex County officially unveiled their new initiative MiddlesexCountyCulture.com on Friday, May 3. This online cultural hub for all County arts and culture events will ensure that every resident has access to arts programming with a range of free and affordable activities. Visitors to the new online hub will see events from the County’s core partners including the State Theatre New Jersey, George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, Crossroads Theatre Company, American Repertory Ballet, and many local organizations as well as artists. This is a comprehensive online destination for arts, folklife, history, and cultural programs throughout Middlesex County.
County leadership, along with core partners from Crossroads Theatre Company and State Theatre New Jersey, spoke about the long-term impact this initiative and other investments in arts and culture will have on the regional community and economy at the Arts Institute of Middlesex County’s signature event, First Fridays.
“While most other local governments are cutting back on cultural programming, here in Middlesex County, we’re bullish in our support of and investment in arts and culture. With MiddlesexCountyCulture.com, every person ― whether they live in our County or visiting us ― has access to free and affordable cultural programming,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “We prioritize quality of life in this County and having equitable access to the arts is key to transforming and uplifting our communities.”
“As chair of the Economic Development Committee, I believe that investing in arts and culture not only boosts our regional economy, it also further builds and strengthens our business ecosystem,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum. “I commend the Middlesex County Arts Institute for supporting the arts community, with nearly 9,000 local artists to date receiving critical funding to ensure that they can pursue their passions.”
“Middlesex County is one of the most diverse counties in the nation with a wealth of talent, untold history, and folklife to share,” said Director of the Arts Institute of Middlesex County Lindsay Erben. “Through extensive research and community surveys, we knew the need for middlesexcountyculture.com was great. It’s our mission to provide barrier-free access to programming, resources, and events. I am proud to say that awareness is no longer a barrier.”
“I speak for all of us at Crossroads, when I say that we are beyond excited for the launch of middlesexcountyculture.com and its beautiful extension of our rich creative community,” said Managing Director at Crossroads Theatre Ezra Ezzard.
“For over 100 years, State Theatre New Jersey has been a proud source for arts and entertainment for both New Brunswick and Middlesex County residents. It is our mission to enrich the lives of people of diverse backgrounds across the region, providing arts education to inspire and build future audiences, and to encourage and enable members of the community to have a lifelong association with the performing arts,” said President and CEO of State Theatre New Jersey Sarah Chaplin. “Thanks to the Arts Institute of Middlesex County and with the launch of middlesexcountyculture.com, we can continue to fulfill that mission and together the amazing venues, organizations, and events of our County can build a legacy as a leading hub in the Northeast for arts, culture, and history.”
In conjunction with the launch of the new online cultural hub, the Arts Institute of Middlesex County inaugurated its 2024 First Fridays series, celebrating the County’s diverse communities with family-friendly activities including live music, performances, arts and crafts, and more.
Upcoming First Friday Dates:
- June 7
- August 2
- September 6
- October 4
- November 1
- December 6
For a comprehensive listing of arts and culture events and programming across Middlesex County, visit middlesexcountyculture.com.
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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
