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Awards 2011

 

The Third Annual Cultural Access Awards Luncheon
&
Arts access educational workshops

Thursday, June 23, 2011
 Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton
for directions visit www.groundsforsculpture.org

 For 17 years, The Cultural Access Network, formerly the Cultural Access Network, in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, has been providing guidance and resources to the state’s cultural community as they make programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. During this time great strides have been made in the areas of cultural access where individuals and organizations have demonstrated innovation and leadership.

To RSVP:

Fill out the RSVP form

Program Agenda

• 10:00am-10:30am Networking/Registration
• 10:30am-10:45am Welcoming Remarks
• 10:45am -12:30pm Concurrent Workshops
• 12:30pm-2:00pm Lunch and Awards Program
  

This year's recipients

• Sustainer Award: Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton
• Innovator Award: Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn & Pushcart Players, Verona
• The Ritz Theatre, Oaklyn
• Leadership Award---A Memorial Tribute to Alan Albert Champion
• Performance by musician, Katherine Highet

Past recipients:

• 2009
  • The Leadership Award – Janet Zoubek Dickson, Access Coordinator, McCarter Theatre Center
  • The Sustainer Award – VSA Arts of New Jersey
  • The Innovation Award – Arts Unbound
• 2010
  • The Leadership Award- Arlene Romoff, President Hearing Loss Association of NJ
  • The Sustainer Award - Paper Mill Playhouse
  • The Innovator Award -Appel Farm Arts & Music Center and Surflight Theatre

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Third Annual Cultural Access Awards

The Third Annual
Cultural Access Awards
Arts Leaders Honored for their Contributions
On Thursday, June 24 at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton
Winners include Paper Mill Playhouse, Pushcart Players,
Grounds for Sculpture and theatrical interpreter, Alan Champion

On June 24th, four organizations and one individual were honored for their leadership, innovation and commitment to increasing access to the arts for people with disabilities. Offered annually by the Cultural Access Network Project – the Awards program was held at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey.

Attended by almost 100 leaders in the state’s arts and cultural community, the day began with a networking breakfast and was followed by workshops and discussions to support the efforts of cultural institutions in making their programming accessible for everyone. Workshops included Effective Staff, Artist and Volunteer Training; Marketing to People with Disabilities; ADA Regulations and ADA Plan Updates.

The celebratory event also included a performance by Katherine Highet, a classically trained harpist – who is also autistic. Before she played, Highet spoke to the attendees about the significant impact the arts had on her growth and on her prospects for the future. "I would not be here speaking to you today if it weren't for the arts," she said. "I took my first dance class when I was 11 years old and my mom went with me and helped me move and try to get me to imitate the other children. By the end of the year, I performed on the stage independently with my class. The arts played a very important role in my learning … activities like dance and theater … helped me come out of the protective shell of autism."

Awards were given to individuals and organizations that were nominated by individuals in the community, and were evaluated by a panel of independent judges. Each organization received a cash award to be used to support and further their innovative access and outreach programming.

"Since the Cultural Access Network Project was founded, my colleagues and I have been so inspired by the great strides we have made in this area," said McEwen. "The honorees have each operated with the belief that their offerings should reach the greatest number of people regardless of economic constraints, geographic limitations or disability, and they are all doing such great work. We hope they inspire other organizations to develop creative programs and partnerships that will provide more opportunities for all of the state’s residents to enjoy its cultural treasures."

Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton) received The Sustainer Award – for their ongoing commitment to cultural access.

Two Innovator Awards were presented. The first was given to both Pushcart Players (Verona) and Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn) for a groundbreaking program they developed – a series of sensory friendly performances adapted for children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities and their families.

Also receiving an Innovator Award was The Ritz Theatre (Oaklyn) for providing American Sign Language, ASL and shadow interpreted performances on their stage for 21 years.

The Leadership Award was given posthumously to Alan Champion. For more than 30 years, Alan interpreted theater for thousands of Deaf audiences, making their theater experience rich and memorable.

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New ADA Plan Outline

The ADA Plan Outline must be filled out and submitted on-line. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ADAPlanOutlineFY12-14

Technical Assistance Workshops will be conducted by the NJ Cultural Access Network in fall 2011 to familiarize and assist organizations in the preparation of the new ADA Plan Outline. Final payment for FY12 is contingent upon receipt, review and approval of an adequate ADA Plan.

 

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Awards 2009

On Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at The State Museum in Trenton, we celebrated 15 years of bringing service to the state's cultural community to assist them in making their programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities.  In addition, we recognized the great strides and innovation of the state's cultural community in the area of arts access and honored two organizations and two individuals who have demonstrated leadership, commitment, creativity and innovation to the cultural access field with a Cultural Access Award.

We were delighted to receive 21 nominations from a wide range of organizations and individuals whose work in cultural access is innovative and inspirational.  The selection of our winners was a difficult task for our judges.  We are happy to announce that the winners selected are as follows:

• The Innovation Award: Arts Unbound
• The Sustainer Award: VSA Arts New Jersey
• The Leadership Award: Janet Dickson, Access Coordinator for McCarter Theatre
  

We would like to recognize all of the nominees for the awards, as every individual and organization nominated is deserving of praise for their continued commitment to arts accessibility:

The 2009 Cultural Access Awards Nominees:

Arts Access Program at Matheny Medical and Education Center
The program began 16 years ago based on the question: “Can people with disabilities – people as severely disabled as the Matheny clients – create fine art?” Today, more than one hundred artists dance, choreograph, paint, sculpt, paint, write and express their unique vision through the Arts Access Program, and it is clear that the answer to that original question is a resounding “Yes.”

Art Alliance of Monmouth County
For the past thirty-one years, the Art Alliance of Monmouth County has succeeded in providing the community with access to innovative artwork and as a result has allowed local artists and people of all abilities with a place to work, exhibit and grow.

Art Bonito, President / Jefferson Highlights Community Television
Art Bonito’s efforts have brought the arts to his community at prices that all people – able and disabled – can afford. With a specially placed platform – made possible by Mr. Bonito – people in wheelchairs get some of the best seats in the house for film, dance, theater and music programming at the outdoor amphitheater in Jefferson Township.

Arts Council of the Morris Area
Morris Arts Council’s Building Bridges Mural Arts project at Morristown’s Neighborhood House brought together a community to create a larger-than-life public work of art. Portable panels were painted by community members at an artist’s studio in Morristown, as well as in residence with groups who typically lack access to public art projects including elderly residents in senior centers and nursing homes, as well disabled students at Shepard High School in Morristown.

Bridge Players Theatre Company
An all volunteer group in Burlington County, Bridge Players is committed to the idea that there is a place in community theater for everyone and they encourage all to participate both on and off the stage. They offer a wide variety of access programs including sign language interpreted performances, pre-show set tours for patrons with visual impairments, and Assistive Listening Devices. In their 2007 production of Children of a Lesser God, they cast deaf actors in all the deaf roles, and offered interpreters for cast members for all steps in the production.

Bruce Curless
Mr. Curless’ believes – and lives – the philosophy that artists have a responsibility to be part of the community they serve by being aware of the needs of the members of that community. His dedication to accessibility remains an integral part of The Ritz Theatre Company’s mission.

Grounds for Sculpture
As a visual arts organization, Grounds for Sculpture is constantly thinking of new ways to bring art to underserved populations and to allow patrons with challenges to fully experience the visual arts in a natural setting.

Morris Museum
The Morris Museum’s commitment to cultural access via interactive, accessible program, new ADA compliant facility, regular staff trainings, service to people with disabilities and partnerships with organizations who serve people with disabilities, has advanced cultural access in Morris County and the state.

Newark School of the Arts
Newark School of the Arts is committed to access to high-quality arts education for its local and statewide constituencies for 42 years including recent ADA compliant upgrades to their physical plant.

Opera New Jersey
Opera New Jersey believes that access responsibility doesn’t stop with a performance; they open dress rehearsals to other nonprofits that serve individual with challenges, including autism, behavioral disorders, or dependency issues.

Paper Mill Playhouse
Paper Mill Playhouse comprehensive access programming is widely available, regularly scheduled, publicized, and provided to approximately 5,000 patrons and students annually so that all may full experience top-quality live theatre and arts education with dignity and independence.

James Pruznick
Twenty years ago Jim Pruznick created Artistic Expressions, the Hunterdon Art Museum’s class for adults with developmental disabilities that include ADHD, autism, sensory, cognitive, physical or communication impairments, and cerebral palsy. Jim has taught the class since its inception, and it has been a source of encouragement, enjoyment and learning for adults with severe developmental disabilities.

Arlene Romoff
As a person with degenerative hearing loss, Arlene Romoff understood firsthand the need for better communication access in public arts facilities and her dedication, commitment and expertise in advancing the filed of open captioning and cultural access in New Jersey has proven that one person’s advocacy can make a difference.

Running Rabbit Family Theatre
Running Rabbit’s landmark production of Treasure Island utilizes song, spoken word and American Sign Language to illuminate Robert Lewis Stevenson’s swashbuckling tale – with roles played by hearing and deaf actors. The piece designates Running Rabbit as the first professional theatre in New Jersey to offer programming delivered in a unique cross-cultural experience.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Since opening the doors of its new facility in 1998, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has been fully accessible and compliant with the ADA. As an institution that endeavors to make Shakespeare’s works and other classic masterworks resonant and relevant to audience members from all walks of life, it is integral to their mission to strive to continually improve the accessibility of their artistic and education programs.

Two River Theater Company
For the duration of its 15 year history, Two River Theater Company has held accessibility as a core organizational tenant, working to ensure that the full range of its programming is made widely accessible to audiences of every kind. The results have been significant and Two River Theater is widely recognized within its community as a center of cultural opportunity for all audiences.

J. Frank Vespa-Papaleo, Esq.
In his capacity as the state’s head anti-discrimination official, Director Vespa-Papaleo made the issue of accessibility for persons with disabilities a top priority. His tenacity, creativity and leadership resulted in one of the most significant developments in bringing accessibility to a major cultural activity for the nearly 1 million New Jersey residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired.

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Awards 2010

left to right: Tom Muza, Joyce C. Goore, Sharon Burton Turner, Michael Mooney, Arlene Romoff, John McEwen, Ann Mokris, Don Ehman, Steve Steiner, David Miller, Steve Runk, Natalie Watson, Esq. Photo by Jerry Dalia. (hover over picture for full caption)The Cultural Access Network of New Jersey, a cosponsored project of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts honored two organizations and two individuals at the inspiring second annual Cultural Access Awards Breakfast on Thursday, June 24th at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey.

Sharon Burton-Turner, Chairwoman of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts spoke to the crowd gathered in the beautiful event room at Grounds for Sculpture.  “One of the key roles of a public arts funding agency like the Council is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their inborn creative impulse and to realize that birthright,” Burton-Turner said before congratulating the day’s honorees “Congratulations to all of you, committed to breaking down barriers so that all people may enjoy the benefits the arts bring to our lives.”

Nominations were submitted to the Network by individuals in the community, and were evaluated by a panel of independent judges.

“In the 16 years since the Cultural Access Network was founded, my colleagues and I have been so inspired by the great strides we have made in this area,” said John McEwen, founder and chairman of the Cultural Access Network, and executive director of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.  “Our judges had a very hard time selecting just four award recipients; the honorees, and all the nominated organizations and individuals, have operated with the belief that the cultural treasures of our state should reach the greatest number of people regardless of economic constraints, geographic limitations or disability, and they are all doing such great work.”

Ina White and Michael Mooney. Photo by Jerry Dalia. Paper Mill Playhouse was presented with The Sustainer Award for their ongoing commitment, innovation and service to the field.  Presented by Ina White, member of the Cultural Access Network committee, the award was accepted by Michael Mooney, Paper Mill Playhouse’s Access and Outreach Coordinator.

The Innovation Award was given to two organizations – both have shown innovation and creativity in a specific area of arts access. Presented by Thomas E. Shaw, Director, Mercer County Office for the Disabled, the first of the two awards were given to Appel Farm Arts and Music Center for their HeArt & Health Initiative, developed in partnership with the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation and several social service organizations, for serving populations with disabilities through the arts.   Surflight Theatre was presented with the award for their ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities who are employed by Surflight, applying for jobs, or attending the theatre are treated fairly and given equal opportunities.

The Leadership Award was presented by CAN founder and Executive Director of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, John McEwen to Arlene Romoff for her dedication and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for people with hearing loss by helping to bring open captioning to theaters in New Jersey and beyond.

Ali Stroker. Photo by Jerry Dalia.Ali Stroker, a performer who uses a wheelchair, and who has worked at Surflight Theatre performed three songs for the crowd.  Before she sang, Ms. Stoker said, “I just want to say that I'm a direct result for what all of you have done.  I've been performing since I was 6 and I feel very, very honored to be from New Jersey, because of the amazing opportunities that I've been able to have.”

Bojana Coklyat, an artist and teacher from St. Joseph’s School for the Blind spoke about her experience as an artist who became visually impaired through complications from diabetes.   “I've taken this possible weakness – some might say – and I've turned it into a  strength.  I see things differently than most people would see things; I have a different perspective.  Through my vision loss, I've gained so much.  I found a new focus in my art career, because I was so close to losing what I love.”  

Closing the event, Steve Runk, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts thanked the award winners, speakers and performers.  “They remind us of why we're here and doing what we do,” he said.  “So every person has the opportunity to experience the incredible benefits the arts provide; especially now as our state and our country navigate through incredible challenges, we look to the arts to uplift our spirits, express our emotions and connect with one another.  The arts enrich our lives in many ways, strengthening the economy and helping the next generation prepare for the changing 21st century work force.” 

Since 1994, the Cultural Access Network (CAN) has provided services to the state’s cultural community to assist them as they make their facilities and programs more accessible to people with disabilities, and to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Training sessions, workshops, and conferences align with information and tools available on the Network’s comprehensive website www.culturalaccessnetwork.org.  Patrons can also find all-inclusive listings of accessible cultural events statewide. The innovative programs and services of the Network have earned national recognition and framed New Jersey as a model among their peers in the cultural access field.

The Cultural Access Network’s programs and services are made possible by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Additional support for Cultural Access Network programming is provided by The Horizon Foundation For New Jersey, Discover Jersey Arts, The National Endowment For the Arts, The Kessler Foundation, The Prudential Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Kirby Foundation, the Fund for New Jersey Blind, the New Jersey Division for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement.

 

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Second Annual Excellence in Cultural Access Awards

In the past 16 years since the inception of the Cultural Access Network of New Jersey, our community has made great strides in cultural access. Theatres, museums, galleries, dance and music companies, historic sites and arts service organizations have developed innovative and creative solutions to ensure that ALL individuals can enjoy the arts and culture with dignity and independence.

In celebration of the great work in our field in areas of cultural access and the work of the Cultural Access Network over the past 15 years, we are delighted to announce:

The Second Annual Excellence in Cultural Access Awards Breakfast
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton
June 24, 2010

The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast, followed by the awards program and celebration at 10:00 a.m.

To recognize, encourage and inspire the arts and cultural community in the area of cultural access, we are delighted to present three awards to organizations and individuals who have demonstrated leadership in cultural access.

• The Innovation Award will be presented to a New Jersey non-profit cultural organization that has been innovative and creative in a specific area of arts access.
• The Sustainer Award will be presented to a New Jersey non-profit cultural organization who can demonstrate that it has sustained its commitment, innovation and service in cultural access for at least 5 years.
• The Leadership Award will be presented to an individual who brings dedication, commitment and excellence to the area of cultural access. Each of the award winners will be presented with $1,000 to assist them with their cultural access initiatives.

If you sent in a nomination last year and wish to do so again for the same person or organization, we encourage you to do so.

Click here to download the nomination form

We encourage you to self-nominate or nominate a colleague or other organization. Nominations are due by May 14, 2010.

We and the panel of judges look forward to receiving and reading your nominations, as well as joining you and your colleagues for the celebration on June 24, 2010.

Thank you for all you do to bring the joy of the arts and culture to everyone!

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