Stockton University expanded its annual Arts and Culture Summit to two days, bringing together more than 200 attendees for events on April 9 and 10. The summit featured keynote speaker Jane Golden, founder and executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, who addressed the impact of public art on communities.
The summit aimed to highlight the role of arts and cultural organizations in building stronger communities. Events took place at both Stockton’s Galloway and Atlantic City campuses, including panel discussions focused on the theme “Culture, Community & Care” as well as the Hip Hop Block Party in O’Donnell Park.
Golden shared that over 25,000 residents have participated in Mural Arts Philadelphia programs or tours since its founding. She said more than 250 artists have been employed by the initiative. “It’s about impacting individuals. It’s about impacting the community and by extension there is a huge impact on the civic life of the city of Philadelphia because we have turned our city into an outdoor museum,” Golden said. “But it’s a museum that values and respects the citizens. We’re creating work that has true resonance with the people who live here.”
New Jersey State Rep. Antwan McClellan welcomed attendees in Atlantic City, saying: “Arts and cultural organizations play a critical role in strengthening our communities, and that creates spaces where people can come together and engage one another and participate in something meaningful… Stockton is not just educating students; they’re actively shaping cultural ecosystems.”
President Joe Bertolino emphasized how this year’s summit theme reflects Stockton’s commitment to dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility through art: “The arts play a local role in that work because the arts are a language that goes across all peoples.” Bertolino added: “Artists help us make sense of the world. They illuminate stories that might otherwise go unheard… And where better to do that than at a university.”
Golden recounted initial skepticism when she started Mural Arts Philadelphia four decades ago but noted growing appreciation for public art’s value: “They were not interested in art… But now people see art as extremely invaluable in the city of Philadelphia… I’ve been a witness to the powerful catalytic world of art in the life of the city.”
This year marked new additions such as expanded panels on public health topics related to creative practice as well as another edition of Professor Donnetrice Allison’s Hip Hop Block Party featuring live music and breakdancing performances.
