EVENTS FOR THE FULL ARTS COMMUNITY
New Jersey Theatre Alliance offers opportunities for the full arts and culture community, not just theatres, to learn and network together. The Alliance strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Kat Lily, Access Coordinator.
All events listed below are open to the larger New Jersey Arts & Culture Community.
Creating Change Virtual Roundtables
Justice Across Sectors: What Arts Leaders Need to Know
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 10:30 am -12:00 pm
Arts organizations do not operate in isolation. This conversation brings together leaders from key social justice movements in New Jersey, including immigration justice, racial justice, environmental advocacy, and LGBTQ+ activism. Moderated by Maria Carnemolla of Gathering Ground, the session will highlight major issues and trends shaping the state today. Participants will gain insight into how community priorities intersect, how these movements might connect with the arts sector, and why cross-sector collaboration strengthens collective and creative impact. Join this session as we work together to broaden perspectives, break down silos, and help arts leaders respond with clarity and solidarity.
Building a Culture That Supports Equity Every Day
March 31, 10:30am-12pm
Intentional culture is the foundation that allows equity work to take root and flourish throughout an organization’s operations. This session, one of a two-part series led by Bliss Griffin, explores what intentional organizational culture really means and why it matters for equity work. Participants will look at how culture shapes daily interactions, decision-making, and accountability, and how every member of a team contributes to it. We will walk through strategies for defining cultural expectations, aligning them with your values, and reinforcing them through practice.
Updating Your Equity Policies for Today’s Realities
April 7, 10:30am-12pm
Many arts organizations created equity statements and anti-discrimination policies several years ago, but may not have returned to them since. This working session, part two of the series, facilitated by Bliss Griffin, offers guided time to review those documents with a clear framework grounded in your organization’s values and current needs. Participants will learn how to assess the relevance and clarity of existing policies, identify gaps, revise language, and move updates through an effective approval process. The session will also cover strategies for communicating revised policies to staff and ensuring that they become active, living tools rather than archived statements.
Archived Creating Change Offerings
Whenever appropriate, Creating Change offerings are recorded and archived for later viewing. Browse the archives below for videos on a wide variety of topics related to equity and justice.
Cultural Access Network Virtual "Access Thursdays"
The Cultural Access Network Project is a project of The New Jersey State Council on the Arts and New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
To request an access service or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Kat Lily, Access Coordinator.
ADA Planning Webinar #1
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom
ADA Plans are a requirement for organizations receiving General Operating/General Program Support funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.
Organizations that fall under the following disciplines are required to submit ADA Plans in the FY2026 – FY2028 cycle: Arts Education, Multidisciplinary, Performing Arts Presenters, and Service. ADA Plans for FY2026 – FY2028 are due on January 9, 2026.
If your organization is required to submit an ADA plan for FY2026 – FY2028, we encourage staff members (the organization’s Accessibility Coordinator and other(s) assisting in writing the plan) to attend the ADA Planning webinars, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, or Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
An organizational self-assessment, as well as sample grievance procedures, employment policies, and anti-discrimination policies, are available in the Cultural Access resource library.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
ADA Planning Webinar #2
Wednesday, October 7, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
ADA Plans are a requirement for organizations receiving General Operating/General Program Support funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.
Organizations that fall under the following disciplines are required to submit ADA Plans in the FY2026 – FY2028 cycle: Arts Education, Multidisciplinary, Performing Arts Presenters, and Service. ADA Plans for FY2026 – FY2028 are due on January 9, 2026.
If your organization is required to submit an ADA plan for FY2026 – FY2028, we encourage staff members (the organization’s Accessibility Coordinator and other(s) assisting in writing the plan) to attend the ADA Planning webinars, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, or Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
An organizational self-assessment, as well as sample grievance procedures, employment policies, and anti-discrimination policies, are available in the Cultural Access resource library.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Target Marketing and Websites: Keys to Building Audiences for Your Access Programs and Services
Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Developing a target marketing campaign and an accessible website where the public can easily find information on your access services and programs are key in building an audience. Tips on building a target marketing plan, best practices on website accessibility, and an overview on how to upload accessible events to the New Jersey Theatre Alliance calendar will be offered.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Expanding Access in Dance
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
This roundtable will look at ways dance organizations can increase accessibility for disabled audiences and participants.
Discussion will include considerations for venues, communications, ticketing, and program design to reduce barriers and create more inclusive experiences.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Contracting Audio Describers, Sign Interpreters, and Captioners
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
This session focuses on best practices for hiring and working with audio describers, sign language interpreters, and captioners for arts and cultural events. We’ll cover contracting, budgeting, and collaboration tips to ensure performances and events are accessible and provide the highest quality experience for patrons.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Improving Arts Access for Community Arts Participation
Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Not everyone pursuing the arts seeks a professional career. This roundtable will explore how venues and organizations can support individuals who want to engage in the arts recreationally or as a personal passion. Panelists will share successful accessibility programs, strategies for inclusive community engagement, and ways to ensure that artistic spaces remain welcoming to all, regardless of career aspirations.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Topic TBD
Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Wrap Up/Check in Session
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Join us for a wrap-up session to reflect on this year’s roundtables, discuss challenges, share progress in accessibility efforts, and exchange strategies for engaging colleagues in this work.
This is an opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and gain insights from peers as we continue working toward greater inclusion. We will also invite participants to share ideas and recommend topics for future roundtables.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
