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Title: The Arts Community, Arts Village Development and Promotion of Arts in Woodbridge Township: Phase I Report
Citation Type: Miscellaneous
Publication Year: 2007
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Abstract: This report is the product of a study performed by the National Center for Neighborhood and Brownfields Redevelopment at Rutgers University for the Woodbridge Township Redevelopment Agency during the summer of2007. The purpose of the study was to begin to explore the concept of developing an arts village in Woodbridge. The components of this phase of study consist of research that examines typical modes, key issues and success factors in arts village development and a summary and analysis ofdata collected directly from and about artists to better understand the arts community in Woodbridge in terms of who they are, what their needs are, and the artists opinions about the village concept and arts promotiongenerally. The arts village proposal is thus part of a larger initiative to promote greater awareness of and participation in arts and culture by residents of the township. Arts and culture are commonly accepted asintegral activities in community life and help to build local pride and economic strength. Woodbridge, located in Central-Eastern New Jersey, is a township of more than 100,000 residents (5th largest municipality in New Jersey).Woodbridge has a working class heritage, with many industrial facilities nearby and its accessibility to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Routes 1 and 9, and the public transit lines making it an ideallocation for commuters. According to the 2000 census, the population is 70 percent white, 14 percent Asian and 9 percent African American. About 9 percent report a Hispanic ethnicity. Poverty (3.2) and unemployment rates(3.1) are low and the median household income of over $60,000 is above the state median. Woodbridge is a well-situated, economically healthy and stable community.The rest of the report is divided into four sections. First, we present research on success factors and key issues in the development of arts villages based on the current state-of-the-art in urban/suburban America. After that, we summarize the characteristics and needs of the arts community in Woodbridge and the working inventory that was created. Thenext section is a summary of artists opinions on the arts village and arts promotion. The report concludes with summary findings and recommendations that will suggest a path toward successful arts village development and toward expanded opportunities for artistic expression andparticipation in the township.
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Authors: Lowrie, Karen; Frisch, Michael
Publisher: Rutgers University
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Other
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