Westfield Arts Collective
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2025
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Westfield Arts Collective Announces Plans to Transform Historic Rialto Theater into Center for Creativity @ The Rialto
Center for Creativity @ The Rialto exterior rendering
Renderings courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects
WESTFIELD, NJ – The Westfield Arts Collective (WAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Westfield residents, announced bold plans to transform the historic Rialto Theater in downtown Westfield, New Jersey, into the Center for Creativity @ The Rialto. To bring the vision of creating an adaptive, community-centric creative space to life, WAC will establish a capital campaign to raise funds from government, foundation, corporate and individual sources.
“Westfield is more than just a town—it’s a community filled with artists and dreamers,” said Westfield Arts Collective President Bill Crandall. “Transforming the Rialto into a creative hub ensures that these voices have a place to be heard and that the arts have a permanent home.”
This transformation into the Center for Creativity @ The Rialto is not just about preserving a historic building, but about sparking a cultural revival in Westfield. The Center will be an inspiring destination where artists and the community come together to create, collaborate, and celebrate the arts in all its forms.
To date, $5 million raised for the project has been used to purchase the property, create transformative designs, assess fundraising, and develop business plans. Design renderings were developed in collaboration with NJ based firm, Mills + Schnoering Architects. A capital campaign will support the renovation of the Rialto, transforming it into a modern, flexible facility for artistic and community events.
Along with strong community backing, the organization is working to secure substantial funding from government entities, foundations, and corporate partners to bring this vision to life. Through these combined efforts, the Center will become a place where the arts are accessible to all and where Westfield’s cultural and economic vitality can flourish.
For more information on the project or to make a donation, visit https://www.centerforcreativity.art/donate or email info@rialtowestfield.org.
Center for Creativity @ The Rialto event space rendering
Renderings courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects
Center for Creativity @ The Rialto cutaway rendering
Renderings courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects
Center for Creativity @ The Rialto exterior rendering
Renderings courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects
About the Westfield Arts Collective, Inc and the Center for Creativity @ The Rialto
The Westfield Arts Collective, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by Westfield, NJ residents with a mission to create an inclusive, collaborative environment that fosters creative innovation, supports education in the arts, and enriches the lives of Westfield residents and visitors alike. The organization’s formation and current activities are centered around reimagining a cherished Westfield landmark, the Rialto Theater in the downtown business district.
The Center for Creativity @The Rialto will be about people. It will be a space where diverse programs, events, and artistic offerings flourish, providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and for the public to engage with the arts. From digital and literary arts to performances and exhibitions, the Center will offer something for everyone. By cultivating a strong sense of community among residents, visitors, and artists, it will become an inviting space where meaningful connections can thrive. For more information visit www.centerforcreativity.art.
About the Rialto Theater
For over a century, the historic Rialto Theater has been a cherished landmark in downtown Westfield, New Jersey, serving as a gathering place for community events, artistic performances, and treasured memories. From its grand opening in 1922 with Buster Keaton’s Cops, to birthday celebrations, first dates, and unforgettable family outings, the Rialto has been more than just a movie theater—it’s woven into the very fabric of Westfield’s social and cultural life. However, like many local theaters, it faced challenges, leading to its closure in 2019.
Westfield Arts Collective, Inc
Center for Creativity @ The Rialto
250 East Broad Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
WELCOME TO THE
CENTER FOR CREATIVITY
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This program is made possible in part by a 2025 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
OUR STORY
The Westfield Arts Collective (“WAC”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Westfield residents, is reimagining the Rialto as the Center for Creativity @The Rialto. This transformation is not just about preserving a historic building—it’s about sparking a cultural revival in Westfield. The Center will be an inspiring destination where artists and the community come together to create, collaborate, and celebrate the arts in all its forms.
The organization’s mission is to create an inclusive, collaborative environment that fosters artistic innovation, supports education in the arts, and enriches the lives of Westfield residents and visitors alike.
THE FUTURE WE SEE
The Center for Creativity @The Rialto will be about people.
It will be a space where diverse programs, events, and artistic offerings flourish, providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and for the public to engage with the arts. From digital and literary arts to performances and exhibitions, the Center will offer something for everyone. By cultivating a strong sense of community among residents, visitors, and artists, it will become an inviting space where meaningful connections can thrive.