(Formerly “Arts Council of the Morris Area”)
Our Guiding Principles
Since 1973, Morris Arts’ guiding principles include the belief that the arts are vital to the social fabric and economic prosperity of the area, act as a catalyst for social change, and enrich the lives of everyone in the community. Our varied programs and services serve to inspire, connect, and engage. They include arts education programs for children in grades K-12, arts in health programs, the creation of innovative community-building arts events, including concerts, public art exhibits, and support of area artists and arts organizations through funding, advocacy, and professional development.
Our reputation for excellence is built upon our position as a trusted resource in connecting educators, artists, and community members in unique collaborations. Our almost 250 activities, events, and programs, along with the 380 programs we support through local grants, reach an audience of nearly 325,000 residents across northern New Jersey each year including children, artists, at-risk youth, educators, seniors, and families, thousands of which are low and moderate-income constituents from across 11 counties.
A passionate champion and advocate of the arts, Morris Arts’ mission is to build community through the arts.
Equity Commitment
Morris Arts is committed to assisting the Morris County arts community become more equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all.
Individuals who have questions or need accommodations should contact Dominique Tornabe via email at dtornabe@morrisarts.org at least 14 days prior to the event or program to ensure appropriate arrangements.
Morris Arts’ Statement on Cultural Equity
To support a full creative life for all, within its mission of building community through the arts, Morris Arts commits to enact policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable, community.
Morris Arts is committed to working with the arts and cultural community to cultivate an environment that serves, celebrates, and values every member of our community. We envision a community where engagement in the arts is not pre-determined by socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We see a robust and successful arts and cultural community where:
- All artists, creative workers, audiences, and students have full access to the robust creative arts resources of our community and in which their varied histories, voices, and life experiences are honored.
- Equitable access to arts funding and programs for all arts organizations and artists is expected and delivered.
- Such funding and programs unite arts organizations and artists with diverse populations in our community to nurture a community where every resident sees themselves as belonging, learning, and participating in the arts.
We believe these closely help tenents will sustain a full creative life for all.
Strategic Plan 2023-2026
Using inclusive participatory planning methods, Morris Arts formed a three-year strategic plan that provides a new framework for realizing its mission – building community through the arts. The social, economic, technological, and environmental landscape of Morris County and the greater north New Jersey area has changed dramatically since the last strategic plan was developed in 2018. The strategic directions of this plan are in part a response to those changes. Going forward, Morris Arts will approach its mission guided by three driving strategies developed by our board and staff:
- Listening, Learning, & Building Relationships
- Leveraging Our Successes & Piloting Programs for New Markets
- Building Capacity & Resources for Success.
