About Us
PURPOSE
The Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission shall, for the benefit of the Woodbridge Township community, serve in an advisory capacity for the operation of the Barron Arts Center and delegation of responsibilities to its staff. It shall sponsor and promote exhibits, activities, and courses in the arts; explore creative ideas related to the arts; work with the local, county, state, and federal agencies in promotion of the arts; assist in the maintenance of the Barron Arts Center, a registered historic landmark; and work with the Historical Preservation Commission to preserve the history of the Township.
OUR MISSION
The WTCAC serves as an advisory body directing the operation of the centrally located Barron Arts Center, a registered landmark listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places at 582 Rahway Avenue in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The Commission works to provide a vehicle for the promotion of activities in the arts and works with the Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission to preserve the history of the Township.
OUR VISION
As a Commission, we’re excited about Woodbridge as a growing destination for people interested in the arts. The Barron Arts Center has earned a solid reputation among the artistic community as a well-respected showcase for talented artists, writers, and performers. Our vision is to continue to expand our presence as the premier center for arts and art education in Woodbridge Township and throughout neighboring towns.
QUALITY ARTS PROGRAMMING FOR ALL
When it comes to quality arts programming, the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission (WTCAC) works to provide the arts to everyone. We sponsor diverse programming that stands as a model for cultural enrichment activities in the Garden State, whether it be concerts, lectures, classes, visual arts, vocal or instrumental music, dance, theater, crafts, creative writing, or photography. These offerings, many offered free of charge, are typically presented at the Barron Arts Center, a performance and event venue, and hidden historical jewel located in downtown Woodbridge but may, at times, be offered at other locations to accommodate more attendees.
Roles of Commissioners/BAC Office Staff
The work of the WTCAC is managed by a board of volunteer commissioners, appointed by the Mayor of Woodbridge Township for a three-year term. The Commission meets monthly on the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. at the Barron Arts Center to plan and review operations. The Commissioners discuss building needs, review new artists and talent recruitment, analyze finances, evaluate fundraising activities, consider arts programming, and develop a strategic plan for the Barron Arts Center. Interested and qualified applicants are selected for a commissioner’s position based on inquiry or referral and in consultation with the Woodbridge Township administration.
The governing of the Barron Arts Center, its direction of its work, its fiduciary responsibility, and its control of its property, is vested in the WTCAC. The WTCAC is governed by a set of by-laws that are reviewed, and updated, as necessary by a By-laws Committee, and discussed with and approved by the Commission every five years.
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEMBERS
Chairperson - Dr. Dolores Capraro Gioffre
Vice Chairperson - Sonya Zarestky
Secretary - Vacancy 1
Treasurer - Constance A. Elek
Carlo Fazio
Carol Rebovich
Antonia Cipric-Pancel
Jeffrey Cohen
Ronald Wyatt
Sonal Gadhavi
Joe Messick
Kristen Petenko
Vacancy 2
Vacancy 3
Vacancy 4
BARRON ARTS CENTER STAFF
The day to day operations of the Barron Arts Center is managed by a full-time director, Cynthia Knight and by a full-time program coordinator, Brandon Powell. A staff supports these two positions in coordination with Woodbridge Township the Mayor and his elected officials. The BAC staff manages the center’s gallery operations, staff liaisons, events preparation, building maintenance, and publicity and promotion.
What We Do
Our events are presented annually for Woodbridge Township residents and guests from other townships through the collaboration and efforts of the WTCAC and the Barron Arts Center staff. The responsibilities of the Commission include:
1. The Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity for the operation of the Barron Arts Center and the delegation of responsibilities to its staff.
2. The Commission shall sponsor and promote, for the benefit of the Woodbridge Township Community, activities in the arts such as visual arts, vocal, instrumental music, dance, theater, crafts, digital art, creative writing, photography, and activities relating to cultural, local history, and preservation. Hereafter, these activities shall be referred to in the Bylaws as the Commission’s scope of interests.
3. The Commission shall coordinate and disseminate information relating to the available resources, which involve the scope of interests of the commission at the local, county, state, and federal levels.
4. The Commission shall establish a forum for discussion, exploration, and implementation of creative ideas, which relate to the Commission’s scope of interests.
5. The Commission shall encourage the development of artistic and other related talents of all citizens by sponsoring educational programs and other courses and shall encourage local history projects, original research in the field of local history, and the preservation of local historic sites, districts, and artifacts.
6. The Commission shall interact with various community organizations in matters involving the Commission’s scope of interests; thereby promoting increased awareness, as well as ensuring the proper place on the list of priorities of Woodbridge Township.
7. The Commission shall maintain a permanent community Arts Center that will serve as an art and cultural facility.
8. The Commission shall strive to build an audience by helping to establish Woodbridge Township as a center of artistic, cultural, and heritage endeavors.
9. The Commission shall encourage government and local organizations to consider the aesthetics of buildings when making decisions affecting the appearance of the Township.
10. The Commission shall promote and encourage the restoration, collection, and maintenance of historical artifacts and documents.
11. The Commission may sponsor and/or encourage archaeological digs and other related activities within the boundaries of Woodbridge Township.
12. In the event of an organization in Woodbridge Township that would more appropriately undertake items 8, 9, 10 & 11, the Commission will endeavor to work cooperatively with this agency to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.