History:

The concept of the Valley Arts District in Orange and West Orange, NJ, was developed during a comprehensive neighborhood planning process that began in 2001. The Valley, once a center of hat making and other industries, had a strong community spirit, but was devastated by the loss of manufacturing jobs during the late 20th century which left behind many vacant factories.

In 2001, a series of neighborhood town meetings and focus groups were organized to discuss how to bring stability to the area. These groups identified the arts as the engine to revitalize the neighborhood. Many stakeholders, inspired by this vision, developed ValleyArts Inc. as the umbrella organization to advance these efforts. A steering committee of residents, business owners, educators and community leaders officially founded ValleyArts Inc. in 2008. Since that time, the organization has produced annual festivals, gallery shows, public art installations, neighborhood beautification projects and launched a young artist design studio to engage and educate community members of all ages.

In 2011, the ValleyArts Board of Directors embarked upon an expansive, nine-month strategic planning process led by 18 community leaders and artists from Orange and West Orange NJ, which resulted in the creation of a new strategic plan designed to further advance the Valley Arts District. Two initial steps of the plan are already complete, including expansion of the Board of Directors and reorganization of the professional management. With a renewed commitment by current funders and potential for additional funding, we hope to continue and expand our programs and services to artists, nonprofits, community organizations, schools and youth in order to achieve our mission objectives.