Announcing the upcoming

Access Thursday Roundtable schedule!

Register today for the Access Thursday Roundtable Series! These events, presented by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, are peer-to-peer learning opportunities covering a wide range of arts accessibility topics.

Roundtables are offered every month starting in December. They all begin at 10:30 AM and are 90 minutes long. The schedule is as follows:

Target Marketing and Websites: Keys to Building Audiences for Your Access Programs and Services

Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom

Developing a target marketing campaign and an accessible website where the public can easily find information on your access services and programs are key in building an audience. Tips on building a target marketing plan, best practices on website accessibility, and an overview on how to upload accessible events to the New Jersey Theatre Alliance calendar will be offered.

Expanding Access in Dance

Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom

This roundtable will look at ways dance organizations can increase accessibility for disabled audiences and participants. Discussion will include considerations for venues, communications, ticketing, and program design to reduce barriers and create more inclusive experiences.

Contracting Audio Describers and Sign Interpreters

Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom

This session focuses on best practices for hiring and working with audio describers and sign language interpreters for arts and cultural events. We’ll cover contracting, budgeting, and collaboration tips to ensure performances and events are accessible and provide the highest quality experience for patrons.

Improving Arts Access for Community Arts Participation

Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom

Not everyone pursuing the arts seeks a professional career. This roundtable will explore how venues and organizations can support individuals who want to engage in the arts recreationally or as a personal passion. Panelists will share successful accessibility programs, strategies for inclusive community engagement, and ways to ensure that artistic spaces remain welcoming to all, regardless of career aspirations.

Topic TBD

Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom

Check back later for more information on the April Access Thursdays Roundtable!

Wrap Up Session

Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom

A wrap-up session to reflect on this year’s roundtables, discuss challenges, share progress in accessibility efforts, and exchange strategies for engaging colleagues in this work. This is an opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and gain insights from peers as we continue working toward greater inclusion. We will also invite participants to share ideas and recommend topics for future roundtables.

All roundtables take place via Zoom and are Closed Captioned.

Please note: Should you require an access service, please complete your event registration and outline your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.

For questions regarding access, please contact:

Kat Lily, Access Coordinator, New Jersey Theatre Alliance

klily@njta.org

The Cultural Access Network is a project of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and

the New Jersey State Council on the Arts

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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