Community Partnerships And Impact Report
College of the Arts
Office of the Dean
The College of the Arts serves over 2,000 students across three academic units: the Department of Art and Design, the Department of Theatre and Dance, and the John J. Cali School of Music. With more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs and a faculty of working professionals and scholars, the college fosters a vibrant culture of creativity, inquiry, and innovation. Students engage in rigorous training while gaining real-world experience through performances, exhibitions, internships, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Long designated a New Jersey Center of Excellence in the Arts, the college is deeply committed to public engagement and community impact. Through partnerships with schools, cultural organizations, businesses, and local governments, we offer programs that bring the arts into public life—from large-scale mural installations to inclusive film festivals to neighborhood outreach initiatives. We welcome new partners who share our belief in the power of the arts to educate, inspire, and strengthen communities.
– Daniel Gurskis, Dean, College of the Arts
John J. Cali School of Music
Cali Pathways Project College of the Arts
The Cali Pathways Project opens doors for talented and driven middle and high school students from under-resourced communities, guiding them on a vibrant, individualized journey toward higher education and careers in music.
Through a personalized support plan—thoughtfully developed and refined each year—students receive the mentorship, resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether it’s mastering their craft, accessing performance experiences, or preparing for college auditions, each step is designed to nurture their musical potential and build confidence.
The ultimate goal is to make higher education in the arts not only accessible, but inspiring—empowering young musicians to turn their passion into a lifelong pursuit.
Promising Outcomes
• Cali Pathways has supported 97 students in 4 years
• 23 participants are now enrolled as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at the Cali School of Music—turning their dreams into degrees.
• 100% of seniors in the program’s first three cohorts received college acceptance offers, each including at least one tuition-free option.
• These outcomes reflect the power of personalized support, artistic mentorship, and a belief in every student’s potential.
Cali Pathways Video: https://youtu.be/tfhmCCsho_c?si=RoPq5ab8FksCcDQI
Cali Pathways Website Page:
Cali Pathways Website Page: https://www.montclair.edu/john-j-cali-school-of-music/pathways/
College of the Arts
John J. Cali School of Music
Cali Collective Ensemble
The Cali Collective Ensemble (CCE) is a transformative two-year graduate program that leads to the University’s prestigious Artist Diploma Certificate. Developed in collaboration with Music for All Seasons, CCE is tailored for graduates of Master of Music programs who are ready to take their artistry to the next level.
This immersive experience empowers emerging classical musicians with the tools to thrive as performers, educators, advocates, and entrepreneurs. Ensemble members bring music to life in meaningful ways—through performances in community venues such as retirement homes and transitional housing facilities—while collaborating with renowned guest artists and participating in career-shaping workshops.
At the heart of the program is the John J. Cali School of Music, where music is championed as a powerful catalyst for change. CCE offers a unique blend of high-caliber performance opportunities, professional development, and real-world training in arts outreach and administration—preparing musicians to lead with purpose and shape the future of their creative practice.
Promising Outcomes
• Cali Collective Ensemble members bring live music to the heart of communities. They have performed at a wide range of venues— including Valley Brook Village for Veterans, Elizabeth High School, SAGE Eldercare, and Cranford Senior Housing—creating meaningful connections through music.
• Performances have featured lively and familiar works inspired by iconic dances such as the Waltz, Tango, and selections from The Nutcracker Ballet. These engaging programs are carefully curated to spark joy, memory, and cultural appreciation among all audiences.
Cali Collective Video: https://youtu.be/D9MHXcEiaZM?si=51bvooEQOf_LFRI2
College of the Arts
Department of Art and Design
Fashion For Seniors
In a unique collaboration blending creativity with innovation, upper-level fashion design students teamed up with senior citizens to co-create sustainable, inclusive apparel designed to meet each individual’s needs. This innovative project invited students to think critically and design thoughtfully—developing garments that address mobility, comfort, and dignity for older adults.
Guided by Dr. May Chae, Associate Professor and Head of the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, the initiative was part of a Community Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) experience. Students gained hands-on insight into an emerging market that values inclusivity and accessibility, while also building meaningful intergenerational connections.
The semester concluded with a celebratory highlight: the College’s annual fashion show, where senior citizens proudly took the runway, modeling the custom pieces they helped bring to life. The result? A powerful showcase of design that’s as innovative as it is human-centered.
Promising Outcomes
• The annual fashion show showcased designs from four advanced studio courses, spotlighting the depth and diversity of student talent across the Fashion Design program.
• A distinguished panel of judges—experts in editorial, technical, and publishing fields—lent their insights, offering students invaluable exposure to industry standards.
• Scholarships were awarded to standout students who demonstrated exceptional academic performance and design innovation, celebrating both their artistry and dedication.
College of the Arts Department of Art and Design
Montclair Mural Projects
Alumni artists Lauren Vroegindewey, Marguerite Kaufer, and Nicole Nuzzolo brought color, emotion, and community spirit to Upper Montclair through their large-scale mural, Reverberations of Reawakenings. Spanning 35 feet by 8 feet, the mural is a bold reflection on collective healing—an artistic response to the isolation, loss, and quiet resilience experienced during the pandemic.
The project began as a community partnership initiated by Professor Julie Heffernan, who invited the trio—former students of her painting courses—to collaborate on a public artwork that would resonate with the community. Each artist brought a unique vision: luminous abstract forms, playful pop-inspired imagery, and sweeping romantic landscapes. Together, they wove their distinct styles into a unified, vibrant composition.
The result is more than a mural—it’s a visual narrative of pandemic-era reflection and recovery. Reverberations of Reawakenings honors lives lost while offering an uplifting vision for the future. It stands as a testament to the power of art to connect, comfort, and inspire.
Promising Outcomes
• The mural serves as an interactive, healing space for the public—community members are invited to inscribe the names of loved ones lost to COVID-19 within the mural’s clouds.
• Norma Tassy, mother of Jordan Tassy, was the first to write her son’s name on the mural. She was joined by Jordan’s best friend, Imran Khawaja, who added Jordan’s nickname, “Polo,” making the tribute deeply personal.
• Dozens of individuals have embraced the space, honoring their losses and finding comfort in a shared, creative act of remembrance.
• Located at 613 Valley Road in Montclair, NJ, the mural stands as a vibrant and visible tribute to collective memory and resilience.
College of the Arts
Department of Art and Design
Montclair YMCA Playground Project
In a vibrant partnership between the Geyer Family YMCA and the Department of Art and Design at Montclair State University, creativity took center stage in the design, fabrication, and installation of an inventive new playground, located just behind the YMCA in Montclair.
The project, grounded in the joyful theme of the rainbow, celebrates color, wonder, and exploration—values at the heart of both play and the arts. Every element of the playground was thoughtfully designed to promote collaboration, inclusivity, physical development, and challenges.
“This was a tremendous community effort,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the Montclair YMCA, indicating that donors were excited and proud to support such a meaningful and artistic initiative.
The playground stands as a lively, interactive space for children and families, and a shining example of how the arts can shape the environments where communities grow and thrive.
Promising Outcomes
• The playground encourages active play as a fun and engaging way to help children combat obesity. “Forming healthy habits at a young age puts children on a path to improved health outcomes,” said Buddy Evans.
• Designed to fuel growth and imagination,, the playground features a vibrant mix of activities—including a play tower, ADA-accessible staircase, slides, sand zones, and water play areas—offering endless opportunities for discovery, movement, and fun.
• This exceptional project came to life thanks to the vision and dedication of Montclair State University students: Nicolas Sarmiento ’20, Wenci Huang ’20, and Jackson Yeakel ’20, all Industrial Design majors, and Sona Bayrami ’19, Visual Arts. Their innovation and artistry transformed a shared dream into a community treasure.
College of the Arts Department of Art and Design
S.L.I.C.E. Exhibition
Student Led International Collaborative Exhibition Class
In a compelling cross-cultural collaboration, students from Montclair State University’s Department of Art & Design and Scotland’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design came together to present Ebb & Flow—a dual-site international exhibition exploring the rhythms of change in our lives and world.
The title, Ebb & Flow, captures the central theme: the constant movement and transformation that shape our experiences—much like the tides of the ocean. From emotional states and natural environments to shifting political landscapes, the works on display reflect the ever-changing forces that influence us all.
Each student artist brought a distinct voice to the exhibition, offering deeply personal interpretations informed by their cultural backgrounds, lived experiences, and creative visions. The result is a powerful visual conversation across continents—one that invites viewers to reflect on the fluid nature of identity, time, and connection.
Promising Outcomes
• 23 artists from New Jersey and Scotland came together—across time zones and borders—to co-create a pair of exhibitions.
• The exhibition invites audiences to explore the rhythms of their own lives through the lens of contemporary art. It’s a space for reflection, connection, and self-discovery.
• The exhibition shines a spotlight on the power of cross-cultural partnership. The distinctiveness of this international collaboration is embedded in the fabric of the show, offering a compelling model for global artistic exchange.
College of the Arts
Department of Theatre and Dance
Vanguard Theatre
Montclair State University, Vanguard Theater, and The New Jersey Play Lab are collaborating on a powerful new theatrical production centered on Montclair’s historic and culturally rich 4th Ward. Currently in development under the working title The 4th Ward Project, this original play explores the stories, voices, and evolving identity of one of the town’s most vibrant communities.
Led by Jessica Brater, Associate Professor and Head of Theatre Studies at Montclair State, and Janeece Freeman Clark, Founding Artistic Director of Vanguard Theater, the project embodies the spirit of community-engaged artistry. Students from both institutions are immersed in every stage of the process—from hosting community conversations to scriptwriting, music development, production, and live performance.
In Fall 2024, playwright Dania Ramos joined Brater in guiding Montclair State Theatre Studies majors through the early phases of script development. The momentum continues into Spring 2025, as Brater and students collaborate with musician Dandridge to shape the play’s musical landscape.
Through this co-production, students gain invaluable professional experience while honoring local history and amplifying community voices on stage.
Promising Outcomes
• At the heart of The 4th Ward Project is a deep commitment to listening. Conversations with 4th Ward residents are takign center stage and shaping the creative process.
• Montclair alumna Dania Ramos is crafting the script, with original music composed by Lawrence Dandridge. The production is led by Dr. Jessica Brater, with dramaturgical support from Cheryl Katz and Kaitlin Stilwell of The New Jersey Play Lab—bringing together a dynamic team of artists and educators.
• The project is on track to culminate in a fully staged production at Vanguard Theater in December 2025, providing a professional platform for student performers and community collaboration to shine.
College of the Arts
Department of Theatre and Dance
Dance for Children
In this vibrant community partnership with Bradford School, a K–5 elementary school just steps from our campus in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State students bring movement and joy into local classrooms through a dynamic service-learning course.
Dance for Children invites students to step into the role of teaching artists, collaboratively designing and leading engaging, child-centered dance lessons. Working in teams, they co-teach and observe one another in action—building confidence, refining technique, and exchanging ideas in real time.
Rooted in creativity and connection, the course culminates in a one-on-one interview with a current or retired dance educator, offering students valuable insight into the field. This hands-on experience not only enriches our students’ academic journeys, but also brings the transformative power of dance to young learners in our community.
Promising Outcomes
• Each year, 10–15 Montclair State students enroll in the course, providing a valuable, hands-on learning experience in the heart of the community.
• Since 2020, students have brought dance to more than 20 elementary schools across the region, expanding access to the arts for hundreds of young learners.
• Each dance lesson impacts 30-50 elementary school students, creating meaningful opportunities for children to experience the power of movement and creative self-expression.
College of the Arts
Department of Theatre and Dance
Dance Performances
In the Schools
This innovative program offers students a hands-on, real-world experience in bringing the art of dance into local school communities. Designed by Donna Scro Samori to mirror the structure of a professional dance company, the course empowers students to take on multiple roles—dancer, choreographer, costume designer, music coordinator, and social media manager—while collaboratively producing engaging performances tailored for school-aged audiences.
Through the process of developing original choreography and age-appropriate content, students gain insight into the logistics of outreach, from booking performances to understanding school protocols. At the heart of the program is a deep exploration of the cultural and educational significance of dance in school settings. Students conduct research that informs their creative choices and supports the mission of the program: to inspire, educate, and connect through movement.
Promising Outcomes
• The program provides experimental ground for a two-phase creative process—Montclair students develop original choreography and performance content during the first half of the semester, then bring their work to life on stage in the second half through dynamic school-based performances. Community feedback becomes essential for professional development.
• Performed in five local school districts—including Garfield, Newark, and Paterson—bringing live dance experiences directly to younger students and strengthening community connections through the arts.
College of the Arts
Department of Theatre and Dance
Creative Collaborations
Launched in 2019, Creative Collaborations began as an innovative pilot project with Arts By The People, led by creative director Paul Rabinowitz. The initiative sought to unite poetry and dance in a bold, interdisciplinary work titled Jump The Turnstile. This vibrant project brought together Montclair student` choreographers, young poets from the local community, and animators from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), creating a unique fusion of movement, voice, and visual storytelling.
The success of Jump The Turnstile sparked an evolution. Creative Collaborations has since grown into a signature program that champions global artistic partnerships. One standout project, Intonation, pairs composers from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance with Montclair artists in a cross-cultural, multimedia exploration of sound and expression.
In 2025, Montclair animation students joined the expanding initiative, deepening the program’s interdisciplinary reach and reinforcing the College of the Arts’ commitment to creative innovation, community engagement, and international collaboration.
Promising Outcomes
• During the pandemic, the program pivoted to virtual formats, presenting dynamic online performances in 2020 and 2021. The 2021 production earned an honorable mention at a national animation festival, underscoring the creative impact of this interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Since 2022, the program has funded six Montclair State senior dance students to perform live at both the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and Montclair State University—bringing their work to new audiences and deepening cross-institutional artistic exchange.
Creative Collaborations Videos:
https://www.artsbythepeople.org/jump-the-turnstile https://www.artsbythepeople.org/intonation
College of the Arts
Office of Education and Community Outreach
Paterson One Square Mile
Summer Bridge Career Exploration & Storytelling Workshop
Paterson One Square Mile (OSM) is a bold, place-based initiative that brings together cross-sector partners to spark revitalization in a concentrated area of Paterson, New Jersey. As part of this visionary effort, the Summer Bridge: Career Exploration and Storytelling Workshop offers high school students an immersive, six-day experience that blends creativity, career discovery, and real-world learning.
Co-developed and delivered in partnership with Paterson High Schools, this grant-funded program invites students to dive into the fast-paced world of multimedia storytelling. Participants explore exciting career paths in media, sharpen their creative skills, and bring their ideas to life through hands-on projects that reflect their voices and visions.
Dynamic, interactive, and deeply empowering, the workshop helps students uncover their passions, gain confidence in their abilities, and envision a future that includes college—and beyond.
Promising Outcomes
• In 2024, the program had a 100% completion rate—an exceptional achievement that speaks to the program’s strong mentorship, engaging curriculum, and supportive community.
• By the end of the program, the majority of participants reported a stronger intent to pursue higher education, reflecting the program’s role in building confidence, vision, and a sense of possibility.
• Equipped with transferable multimedia skills, student participants launched Paterson High School’s first e-letter publication— amplifying student voices and setting a precedent for creative leadership in their school community.
College of the Arts
Office of Education and Community Outreach
ReelAbilities NJ Film Festival
ReelAbilities is the premiere global exhibitor of disability-focused cinema. Film festivals harness the power of film to transform how we see and understand disability. By spotlighting authentic stories and elevating the voices of disabled creators, the festival creates space for meaningful representation—both on-screen and behind the scenes. Through compelling storytelling and inclusive programming, ReelAbilities challenges stereotypes, breaks down barriers, and inspires change within the entertainment industry and beyond.
Through generous grants from the Kessler Foundation, the College of the Arts models collaborative leadership. As the grants administrator, we drive meaningful partnerships with universities, cultural institutions, non-profits, and Jewish community centers, welcoming all audiences and amplifying the impact.
Promising Outcomes
• ReelAbilities NJ has provided 10 years of thought-provoking programming that redefines disability representation through the arts.
• The film festival offers a robust film lineup with 15-30 films screened annually, many followed by powerful conversations with featured guests, creators, and advocates.
• More than 20 additional disability-centered events have broadened public understanding and engagement across communities.
• The festival has welcomed over 10,000 audience members, building a vibrant, inclusive, and growing community.