Art House Productions Announces 25th Anniversary Year of Performing & Visual Arts Programming

originally published: 03/09/2026

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) — Art House Productions has announced its 25th anniversary year of multidisciplinary performing and visual arts programming in Jersey City. Since its launch, Art House has inspired, entertained, and challenged audiences through ambitious artistic programming, provided arts education that fosters lifelong learning, and celebrated the power of the arts to illuminate our shared humanity.

The organization serves as a creative home for artists developing new work, elevates emerging and under-recognized voices, and offers established artists space to take meaningful creative risks. The 25th anniversary season reflects the mission and values that have guided Art House for a quarter century.

“For 25 years, Art House Productions has been rooted in one simple belief: art brings people together,” said Meredith Burns, Executive Artistic Director. “We were founded at a time when our community needed healing and connection. That spirit continues to guide us today, whether producing new plays, exhibiting visual art, hosting citywide festivals, or welcoming first-time visitors.”

“As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the artists, audiences, partners, and supporters who built Art House alongside us. The next 25 years will focus on expanding access, creating greater opportunities for local artists, and ensuring Jersey City remains a vibrant home for bold, meaningful work.”

Founded by Christine Goodman in September 2001 in response to the September 11 attacks, Art House brought the community together through art and dialogue. The organization became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 2007, was later honored with the Key to the City, and appointed Meredith Burns as its second Executive Director in 2017.

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In 2023, Art House established its long-term home at The Hendrix on Marin Boulevard in downtown Jersey City. Today, it presents programming more than 220 days per year across theatre, dance, music, visual arts, comedy, and film.

2026 PROGRAMS

RENT: The Musical | September 24 – October 18, 2026. Art House will present its Fall Mainstage production of RENT, with Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson and direction by Joshua M. Feder. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, RENT celebrates community, chosen family, and the courage to create in uncertain times — themes aligned with Art House’s mission. Audition details and ticket information for the production will be announced soon. RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

JC Fridays: Jersey City’s Quarterly Citywide Arts Festival. Founded in 2006, JC Fridays activates galleries, businesses, restaurants, and public spaces throughout Jersey City. For its 25th anniversary year, the festival expands with new artist opportunities and enhanced marketing support through the A.R.T. Phase II Program from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

* March 6, 2026: LED screen art trucks will showcase community-submitted video art.

* June 5, 2026: A public art installation featuring 100 artist-designed flags by Hudson County artists debuts at Lincoln Park, on view through November.

* September 11, 2026: A 25-hour dance celebration featuring 25 local musicians, bands, and DJs will honor Art House’s founding and the city’s resilience.

CORE PROGRAMS

HerStory: An Oratory Play | March 21 at 6:00pm. An annual Women’s History Month production directed by Meredith Burns and presented in partnership with Joyce E. Watterman, featuring monologues drawn from the lived experiences of Jersey City women.

The INKubator New Play Program & Festival | May 4–6 & May 11–13, 2026. Art House’s signature playwright development initiative, directed by Alex Tobey, culminating in staged readings showcasing bold new theatrical works.

The Jersey City Comedy Festival | June 9–13, 2026. A multi-day stand-up festival co-produced with Rich Kiamco, featuring rising comics from across North America with cash prizes, professional development opportunities, and headline performers.

The History Play Partnership Program | Dec 2026. This program commissions a playwright from the INKubator Program to create an original work inspired by a pivotal moment in Hudson County history. In 2026, playwright Sarah Cuneo will develop a new play bringing local history to life. Funded by the New Jersey State Historical Commission and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development.

The Art House Gallery | Monthly. Curated by Gallery Director Andrea McKenna, The Art House Gallery presents 11 month-long exhibitions annually featuring solo and group shows by local and regional artists. Exhibitions include opening receptions and artist talks and are free to the public. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00pm–4:00pm.

MONTHLY SERIES

* Classic Cinema Club – A monthly film series featuring celebrated and underground classics, hosted by NYU professor Jonathan Bernstein.

* FOCUS: Innovative Choreography Series – Co-produced with Kenia Rosete Dance, FOCUS spotlights contemporary choreographers and has featured more than 24 artists since its launch, with exciting premieres in 2026.

* UNPLUGGED: Jersey City – A curated live music series hosted by Justin Garcia, featuring local artists across folk, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Latin, and experimental genres.

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* Your Voice, Our Band – A monthly Sunday open mic hosted by Saphire Oshun, where vocalists perform jazz standards with a live band

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY

Art House partners with Skyline Arts, School of Rock Hoboken, WonderWorkz, and Educational Arts Team. In 2025, the organization awarded $10,000 in student scholarships and will continue this support in 2026.

The Javiera Rodriguez Legacy Art Fund provides microgrants to Jersey City–based artists and teaching artists and will continue annually.

Art House Productions also offers acting and visual arts classes for both adults and children.

Arts in Education Program – Provides in-school and community-based arts instruction for K–12 students in Hudson County. Funded by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, the program fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

GIVE25: 25th Anniversary Campaign

To mark 25 years, Art House launched GIVE25 — a campaign supporting its next chapter of bold new work. Supporters are encouraged to GIVE $25, $250, or $2,500. Community support ensures continued access to ambitious, inclusive programming and comes with anniversary perks.

ACCESSIBILITY

Art House is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Features include: Wheelchair-accessible seating; ASL interpretation upon request (two weeks’ notice); Audio description upon request (two weeks’ notice); Service animals welcome; Fully accessible restrooms

For accommodations, call 201-579-0532 or email [email protected].

Art House Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the performing and visual arts in Jersey City. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the organization fosters creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility through theater productions, exhibitions, festivals, and community programs year-round. The organization’s staff and leadership team work to ensure every program provides meaningful engagement for artists and audiences alike. Visit Art House at 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Art House’s 2026 programming is made possible through the generous support of An Anonymous American Foundation; an anonymous donor from the Jewish Communal Fund; Hudson County Cultural Affairs’ Arts in Education and History Partnership Programs; Hudson County Parks; the Exchange Place Alliance; the Hudson County Department of Parks and Recreation; the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the NEA; the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID); KRE; NJ Beer Co.; the NJEDA Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) Program Phase II – Public Space Activation; Panepinto Properties; public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund; RWJ Barnabas | Jersey City Medical Center; SILVERMAN; Super Buy Rite; Tito’s; and many generous volunteers, donors, and sponsors.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Comedy Night Live on March 13th