N.J. arts at crossroads

An upcoming event will focus on what the economic forecast means for New Jersey's nonprofit arts industry.

"NJ Arts at a Crossroad: Finding Creative Solutions for Tough Economic Times" will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick.

David Grant, of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, will moderate the event. Confirmed panelists include Dean James Hughes, of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Policy and Planning at Rutgers University in New Brunswick; Nancy Burd, of The Burd Group in Philadelphia; Steve Runk, of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts; Nina Stack, of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers; and Angela Han, of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.

The seminar will feature breakout sessions and roundtable discussions to provide practical solutions and starting points for further exploration. Topics will include contingency planning, budgeting, identifying board roles, increasing support, creating partnerships and collaborations and

planning investment strategies for nonprofit arts groups.

Those who would like to suggest a topic of conversation should contact the ArtPride NJ Foundation at 609-443-3582 or at artpride@ artpridenj.com

The conference is open to arts trustees (especially finance committee members), managers of emerging and established arts groups, arts patrons and supporters.

The free event is presented by the ArtPride NJ Foundation, NJ State Council on the Arts, NJ Theatre Alliance, Dance New Jersey, South Jersey Cultural Alliance, NJ Association of County Cultural & Heritage Agencies and the NJ Arts Education Partnership. The seminar is also made possible through the support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

Those who are interested in attending can register at artpridenj.com.