Letters to the City: An Invitation to Imagine Together
Letters to the City is a new blog series from Jersey City Arts Council Executive Director Deonté Griffin-Quick. Each letter explores themes, ideas, and observations that shape the continued success of our arts community. Rooted in curiosity, these letters invite us to collaborate, engage, and take action.
Day 45: An Invitation to Imagine Together
August 13, 2025
Today marks Day 45 in my role as Executive Director of the Jersey City Arts Council.
On Day 1, I was curious, hopeful, and ready to start a new chapter—open to all that this city’s arts community has to offer.
Since then, I’ve met with community leaders, visited artist studios, toured our anchor arts organizations, strategized with our Board, and rolled up my sleeves to begin the work. More than anything, I’ve maintained a posture of listening. Listening to stories about the richness of our arts scene. Listening to calls for change. Listening to ideas about the future. And after 45 days, I’m still curious, hopeful, and ready for what’s ahead.
I’m reminded of the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Change takes time, resources, strategy, systems, and planning. Without them, even the most vibrant communities can lose momentum.
As we begin to imagine a new chapter for the arts in Jersey City, I’d like to invite you into the conversation.
How can we shape a new, shared vision for our creative community?
What systems will best support our artists?
What resources will help our cultural organizations thrive?
What policies will carry us through the next 10 years?
What programs will keep us engaged in ongoing dialogue about our opportunities and challenges?
Symbolically, the number 45 represents creativity, positive transition, adaptability, and well-resourced communities. In that spirit, Day 45 feels like the perfect moment to extend this invitation to something new.
Here are a few ways to get involved:
Join us on September 8th at White Eagle Hall for City Conversations: Arts Policy as Activism. This new program brings together artists, arts workers, business owners, civic leaders, and policymakers to explore the forces shaping Jersey City’s creative landscape. Through thought-provoking panels and open dialogue, we aim to spark collaboration, deepen understanding, and strengthen our arts ecosystem.
Contribute to our strategic planning process. If you have ideas for the Jersey City Arts Council’s next chapter, I’d love to connect. Your perspective matters.
Support our mission. If you believe in protecting, strengthening, and promoting the arts in Jersey City, your contributions—whether time, talent, or resources—help make it possible. Ensuring JCAC is well resourced is crucial.
This is just the beginning. We can’t change the past, but together, we can shape what’s next. Will you join me on this journey?
In community,
Deonté Griffin-Quick, JCAC Executive Director