New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Atlantic City Arts Foundation Starts Search For New Executive Director As Joyce Hagen Steps Down

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 02/15/2022


(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- After seven years, longtime South Jersey arts advocate Joyce Hagen is stepping down from her position as founding Executive Director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. ACAF will seek a new Executive Director to carry on the organization’s mission to foster arts and culture in Atlantic City. 

During her tenure as ACAF Executive Director, Hagen grew the organization from a small group of volunteers seeking to promote the arts and artists in AC to a fully operative 501(c)3 nonprofit with paid staff, robust fundraising, and successful ongoing programming. Under Hagen’s leadership, ACAF initiated Chalk About AC, sidewalk chalk events throughout the city; ARTeriors, where artists transform a vacant building through installations that capture their creative visions; and 48 Blocks AC, a grassroots event celebrating creativity and culture in AC. All three programs are designed to involve residents, visitors, and artists in creating and/or experiencing the arts in the city. 

Through 48 Blocks AC and the resulting Mural Arts program, over 60 murals by local, regional, national, and international muralists have been created in Atlantic City. The City of Atlantic City Council and Governor Phil Murphy have publicly commended the ACAF for its role in the City’s revitalization efforts. The AC Visitor’s Guide (10 Things to Do in AC) listed the murals as AC’s number one tourist attraction in 2020.

The Executive Director role is multifaceted ranging from strategic planning, management of our small team, fundraising and development, creation/oversight of programs, and advocacy and awareness-building for the value of arts/creativity in building Atlantic City’s future. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors. For more information or to apply for the position, click here.

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art education in Atlantic City, NJ. Through programs and partnerships, ACAF promotes arts-based tourism and economic development initiatives while increasing community pride and civic self-esteem. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky




EVENT PREVIEWS

(WOODLAND PARK, NJ) -- The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. invite residents and visitors from across the region to the 2026 Passaic County Fair, running Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16 at Garret Mountain Reservation in Paterson/Woodland Park.
Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites the public to participate in the special 'Giant Puppets Workshop Series' led by artists from the internationally acclaimed Processional Arts. The puppets created in the workshop series from August 14 through August 19, 2026 will be featured in a giant puppet parade marching down Main Street in Hackensack during Illumination 250, an all-day arts festival taking place on October 3rd to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

"Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy" to Celebrate Faith, History, Art, and Community

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The public is invited to attend "Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy," a free special program honoring the enduring history and cultural significance of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cape May. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the historic Allen AME Church (717 Franklin Street) in Cape May.
Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Nearly one-third of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival comes to life at Cannonball Festival this September, as more than 100 artists present bold new work across five stages in a nonstop celebration of fearless live performance. Celebrating its sixth year, Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection.
Catsbury Park Cat Convention to Take Place October 10-11, 2026

Catsbury Park Cat Convention to Take Place October 10-11, 2026

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Catsbury Park announces the return of the Catsbury Park Cat Convention, taking place October 10–11, 2026 for two full days of feline fun at Bell Works in Holmdel. The beloved annual event brings together cat lovers from across the region for a weekend filled with adoptable cats, educational presentations, celebrity guests, interactive activities, shopping, and community. Attendees can browse a bustling Vendor Village featuring artists, makers, and pet-focused businesses, meet local rescue organizations, and learn more about cat welfare and adoption efforts.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Free Movie Tuesdays: Zootopia 2

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 @ 10:30am
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Free Movie Tuesdays: Jaws

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


EagleMania – The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Cimarron 615

Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Niko Moon - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info