Register Now: The Transformative Power of Art

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is pleased to announce the launch of The Transformative Power of Art: A Guide to Arts Learning for Systems-Impacted Youth in New Jersey. This guide will support teaching artists, arts providers, and arts- and community-based organizations who engage with systems- and justice-impacted youth. Join the Arts Council as we dive into this workbook and highlight organizations and artists in New Jersey who are serving youth through the arts.

When: Monday, April 20, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

What: In support of The Transformative Power of Art: A Guide of Arts Learning for Systems-Impacted Youth in New Jersey, the Arts Council is hosting a one-time webinar dedicated to advancing the quality of arts engagement for justice- and systems-impacted youth.

This session features guest speakers who will offer insights into the guide's framework, focusing on the intersection of the Visual and Performing Arts Learning Standards and community-based practice, the arts in justice settings, and how practitioners can deliver holistic, student-centered programming designed to foster healthy development and meaningful impact within their communities.

Guest Speakers:

• Samantha Patel Clarke, Program Officer for Arts Education and Lifelong Learning at the New Jersey State Council on the Arts

• Shea Murray, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator at the New Jersey Department of Education

• Joseph Papeika, Director of the Office for Education at the Youth Justice Commission

• Alysia Souder, Executive Director at the Institute of Music for Children

How: Registration is free but required to access the Zoom webinar and workshop resources. Registration will close on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. No late registrations will be accepted.

For questions regarding this webinar, please contact Samantha Patel Clarke at samantha.clarke@sos.nj,gov or 609-984-7019 (NJ Relay 711).

Sign up for Opportunities for the Field to learn more about offerings for artists, arts organizations, and more.

Automated captioning will be made available in the Zoom virtual platform. For information about viewing captions in Zoom, please click here.

If you require additional accessibility services, contact State Arts Council Access Coordinator Lindsay Dandeo two weeks prior to the event: lindsay.dandeo@sos.nj.gov | 609-984-7020 (NJ Relay 711).

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, created in 1966, is a division of the NJ Department of State and a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Council was established to encourage and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey. The Council believes the arts are central to every element we value most in a modern society including: human understanding; cultural and civic pride; strong communities; excellent schools; lifelong learning; creative expression; and economic opportunity. To learn more about the Council, please visit www.artscouncil.nj.gov.

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