Another Year Has Come and Gone – Evaluating 2025
Wasn’t it January just yesterday? Where on earth has the time gone? While I’m unable to address the seemingly inconsistent nature of the space-time continuum that has brought us yet another interminable yet lightning-fast year, I can attempt to provide you with a snapshot of Jersey Arts’ year-in-review.
As with last year’s review, I pried into my coworkers’ psyche to learn what made this year unique in their eyes.
What has felt different about 2025 in the field of Arts and Humanities?
Isaac Serna-Diez, ArtPride New Jersey's Digital Content Manager, says “Tensions have been really high this year, and people are divided now more than ever. However, thanks to that, the Arts and Humanities have never felt more alive. People are running to experience art and experience it with other people. There’s a feeling of unity that hasn’t quite existed since the height of the pandemic.”
Jim Atkinson, ArtPride New Jersey's Director of Programs and Services, adds that “we’ve seen audience numbers grow across the state over the past couple of years. In particular, Gen Xers are turning out in record numbers — something I find especially exciting since it’s my generation. It will be interesting to see how that influences what’s presented in the years to come.”
Was there a feature or two that stood out to you this year? Why were they your favorites?
Tanesha Ford, ArtPride New Jersey's Marketing & Communications manager, says “I really enjoyed the feature cover Clifford Ward, Grounds for Sculpture Taps Home-Grown Artist for Afrofuturist Exhibition. I was able to take in his exhibition, and the accessibility of his work was breathtaking. By that, I mean the materials he uses are found items and everyday items. The work elevates the mundane to spectacular. In addition, his voice is so strong within his work. The African Diasporic perspective and the familial ties - it all truly connected to my own artistic sensibilities. It’s still up at Grounds for Sculpture, and I really encourage everyone to take a visit.
“While I wasn’t able to get out to see “And In This Corner: Cassius Clay,” I was thoroughly intrigued by the feature story - The Theater Project's Knockout Production of 'And In This Corner: Cassius Clay' Concludes Their Summer Season. And so was social media. This particular article generated so much engagement, and it was around many of the same themes. How different was Cassius Clay from Mohammad Ali? It was an invigorating discussion on why he chose to change his name and stories from his youth. That is what good theater does, right? Ignites conversation. From the article alone, this was achieved. It still lives rent-free in my brain. I hope to get a chance to see it in the future.”
Isaac: “Sympathy for The Devil & Daisy Dirt at the Arts Council of Princeton and March Madness Takes the Stage with 'King James' at George Street Playhouse were two of my favorite features this year.
“The Devil & Daisy Dirt is something truly unique, and unique to New Jersey itself. It’s a performance based on the Jersey Devil, an old folklore about a cryptid that lives in the Pine Barrens. One of the coolest things about this show is the giant Jersey Devil costume that they created.
“As for King James, I’m a huge basketball fan. Although you would never be able to find a way to merge basketball and art normally, King James takes you on stage to experience the friendship between two fans. For me, it’s the relatability of it all. I see myself in the fans and the way they express their love for the game. To be able to see my real-world hobby tied into a theatrical piece was a lot of fun.”
Jim: “Oscar Wilde's Witty Comedy The Importance of Being Earnest Comes to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey was a favorite. I adore Oscar Wilde’s use of sharp wit and playful satire to poke fun at the Victorian class system. The same themes of social performance identity, obsession over image and appearance, and moral hypocrisy are as relevant in today’s age of social media as they were in 1890’s London. And above all, it’s just plain funny!
Have you noticed any trends in the theater, exhibitions, and music we’ve covered this past year? Any ideas as to why certain trends were popular this year?
Tanesha: “I saw an intentionality in the choices of event that was covered. Especially this current climate, it was clear that the voices from all communities were represented.”
Isaac: “Something that I’ve noticed, and has probably been done on purpose, is the amount of diversity across the art field, not just in the programming, but in the actors, performers, and the ideas themselves. I’ve seen a lot of new plays, new twists on old plays, and hugely diverse casts and crews. I believe this is because of the political climate we’ve experienced this past year. The arts industry isn’t backing away from doing what we’ve always done – bringing people together.”
Jim: “It’s interesting to watch how the arts evolve, break down barriers, and connect with communities. A great example is the way symphonies are presenting more live performances of film scores. For many people, movies are their first exposure to orchestral music. From Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, folks now have more opportunities to experience these scores live, while orchestras build relationships with new generations of audiences. We highlighted one example last year when the New Jersey Symphony performed the original Looney Tunes scores.”
Do you have any “artistic plans” of your own for 2026?
Tanesha: “I have a craft room. In this craft room are a sundry of tools and materials for a myriad of creative projects. And there are boxes and items where I didn’t have a home for it so it was shoved in the room as well. Especially after seeing the Clifford Ward exhibition, I really want to get my hands in paint, and plaster, and Gelli prints, and just create. 2026 just may be the year it happens.”
Isaac: “I do actually have my own artistic plans. Aside from going to more shows and performances, I want to dabble in a little bit of art on my own. Specifically, I’d like to make music and digital art. I’ve done a bit in the past, but I let my life get in the way of practicing this year, so I want to do more in 2026.”
Jim: “You never know what opportunities the coming year will bring, and that unpredictability is part of what makes New Jersey’s arts scene so exciting. One thing I do know: there will be timeless classics to enjoy and new works that will surprise and inspire me.”
What do you look forward to highlighting in the new year?
Tanesha: “I look forward to hearing more from arts organizations in their pitches, why they chose different artists, plays, and events to produce. I really want to hear about the partnerships they’ve built to reach the communities they serve. That is so fascinating to me….why did you choose to put up the Clifford Ward exhibition Grounds for Sculpture? Theatre Project, what motivated you to produce “And In This Corner: Cassius Clay”? Inquiring minds want to know!”
Isaac: “The best part of my job is hearing from new organizations about how much our spotlight has helped them grow, so I hope to continue doing that in the new year.”
Jim: “Our stories are really about the artists who bring the arts to life and the connections they form with the audiences that are the lifeblood of our industry. We’re always seeking the stories behind the shows in hopes of enriching the experience for our readers, viewers, and listeners. I hope we can continue doing even more of that in 2026.”
My colleagues all seem to have felt what many of us are feeling, the divide across the country and across communities. It is a core part of the ArtPride and Jersey Arts missions to highlight the importance of the communal opportunities that the arts and humanities afford. Our experience of communal affairs may vary greatly but the nature of being surrounded by individuals who enjoy imbibing and sharing art has a quantifiable effect on all involved. So, the real question may be, what art have you consumed this year that changed or perhaps affirmed your world view? What will you take with you in the new year on your artistic and emotional journey?
