(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- PEAK Performances at Montclair State University is inviting all artists, arts organizations and arts lovers to a special program: CHAMPIONS FOR THE ARTS with Donna Walker-Kuhne, considered to be the nation's foremost expert in audience development. The event, which takes place at Presentation Hall on the campus of MSU, on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:00pm.
The dynamic discussion will feature the author of Champion for the Arts: Successful Strategies for Engaging Dynamic Communities, imparting proven approaches for building an inclusive army of enthusiastic arts supporters, a message that is needed during a challenging time for the arts and for human connection.
The event will be cosponsored by a coalition of Montclair arts and civic organizations including Friends of Howe House, Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation, Montclair Public Library, Out Montclair, Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts, Studio Montclair and Vanguard Theater Company. The event takes place during Women’s History Month.
“The arts, and especially communal arts, are a powerful force in creating human connection at a time when social media, solo entertainment and other forces are driving us apart,” said Walker-Kuhne. “Arts presenters and other arts supporters need to focus on engaging audiences and creating connections that will have people coming back again and again — with their friends and family in tow. I look forward to being able to share hard-won strategies for success at PEAK Performances.”
Tickets are free. A $20 option includes admittance and a copy of the book. Books will also be available for purchase at the event, cash transactions only. For tickets, visit https://www.peakperfs.org/events/ or call the Box Office at (973) 655-5112. Presentation Hall is located at MSU’s Morehead Hall, 1 Normal Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey.
“I have firsthand knowledge of Donna’s excellent work, since we were colleagues at The Public in New York City,” said Wiley Hausam, director of Arts + Cultural Programming at Montclair State University, who heads up PEAK Performances. At a moment when so many people feel isolated, live performance remains one of the most powerful ways to build community. Donna’s approach is both inspiring and practical, and this gathering is a chance for arts leaders and advocates to strengthen relationships with the communities we serve so the arts continue to thrive as a shared experience.”
Walker-Kuhne is the president of Walker International Communications Group, Inc., a boutique marketing and audience development consulting agency that has operated for more than four decades. She previously served as director of marketing for The Public Theater and Dance Theater of Harlem and as vice president of marketing and vice president of community engagement at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Her clients, past or present, include New York City Opera, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of Art, HARLEM WEEK, Harlem Stage and The Black Orchestral Network as well as 22 Broadway shows. She is currently senior advisor, social impact at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. A sought-after speaker by top performing arts organizations, Walker-Kuhne has traveled to five continents, 11 countries and 49 states sharing her expertise, skills and experiences. She is an adjunct professor at New York University, Bank Street College and Columbia University.
At the event, Walker-Kuhne will also recognize Montclair State University students as Champions for the Arts for their support of artistic endeavors on campus.
Published by Theater Communications Group, the book is an essential guide for nonprofit and for-profit organizations seeking to engage communities, form meaningful partnerships and expand arts education.
PEAK Performances develops, produces and presents world-class live performances that are accessible, engaging and relevant, connecting students, faculty and staff with residents of Northern New Jersey and beyond through the arts.
Donna Walker-Kuhne is an award-winning thought leader, lawyer, scholar, educator, writer and strategist for community engagement, audience development and social justice. Acknowledged as the nation’s foremost expert on audience development by the Arts & Business Council, she has worked with NJPAC, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Public Theater, WNYC Radio, The Apollo Theater and more, and consulted on over 22 Broadway productions.
Founder and president of Walker International Communications Group, Inc., she has raised over $23 million in earned income promoting the arts to diverse communities. Walker is the author of Invitation to the Party, Building Bridges to Arts, Culture and Community and Champions for the Arts: Successful Strategies for Engaging Dynamic Communities.
PEAK Performances develops, presents and produces a broad range of world-class dance, film, master classes, music, opera and music theater, talks and theater in the Alexander Kasser Theater on the campus of Montclair State University for students, faculty, staff and the public. PEAK Performances is a program of the university’s Arts + Cultural Programming Department.
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