top of page
Woodbridge-Township-Cultural-Arts-Commission-logo

What We Do

The WTCAC and Barron Arts Center staff collaborate to host annual events for Woodbridge Township residents and neighboring communities. The Commission’s responsibilities include:

​

  1. Advising on the Barron Arts Center’s operations and staff responsibilities.

  2. Sponsoring and promoting arts activities–visual arts, music, dance, theater, crafts, digital art, creative writing, photography, and cultural history–for the Woodbridge community.

  3. Coordinating and sharing information about resources related to the Commission’s interests at various levels.

  4. Establishing a forum for discussing and implementing creative ideas within the Commission’s scope.

  5. Supporting educational programs and local history projects to develop citizens’ artistic talents and preserve historic sites.

  6. Collaborating with community organizations to raise awareness of the Commission’s interests and priorities in Woodbridge Township.

  7. Maintaining a permanent Arts Center as a cultural facility.

  8. Building an audience and positioning Woodbridge as a hub for artistic and cultural endeavors.

  9. Encouraging consideration of aesthetics in local building decisions.

  10. Promoting the restoration and maintenance of historical artifacts and documents.

  11. Sponsoring archaeological digs and related activities within Woodbridge.

  12. Collaborating with other local organizations on overlapping initiatives to avoid duplication of efforts.

Quality Arts Programming For All

When it comes to quality arts programming, the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission (WTCAC) works to provide the arts to everyone.  We sponsor diverse programming that stands as a model for cultural enrichment activities in the Garden State, whether it be concerts, lectures, classes, visual arts, vocal or instrumental music, dance, theater, crafts, creative writing, or photography. These offerings, many offered free of charge, are typically presented at the Barron Arts Center, a performance and event venue, and hidden historical jewel located in downtown Woodbridge but may, at times, be offered at other locations to accommodate more attendees. 

Our Vision

To maintain our presence as the premier center for arts and art education in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. 

Our Mission

It is the purpose of the Commission and Barron Arts Center to sponsor and promote a vehicle for the promotion of activities in the arts and those related to local history and preservation.

Purpose

The Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission shall, for the benefit of the Woodbridge Township community, serve in an advisory capacity for the operation of the Barron Arts Center and delegation of responsibilities to its staff. It shall sponsor and promote exhibits, activities, and courses in the arts; explore creative ideas related to the arts; work with the local, county, state, and federal agencies in promotion of the arts; assist in the maintenance of the Barron Arts Center, a registered historic landmark; and work with the Historical Preservation Commission to preserve the history of the Township.

Commissioners and Barron Arts Center Office Staff

The WTCAC is managed by a board of volunteer commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Woodbridge Township for three-year terms. The Commission meets monthly on the first Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Barron Arts Center to plan and review operations, including building needs, artist recruitment, finances, fundraising, arts programming, and strategic planning.

 

Commissioner candidates are selected based on qualifications and referrals, in consultation with Woodbridge Township administration. The WTCAC oversees the Barron Arts Center’s governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and property control, guided by bylaws that are reviewed and updated every five years by a By-laws Committee and approved by the Commission.

Barron Arts Center
Staff

The Barron Arts Center is managed daily by:

 

Director: Cynthia Knight

Program Coordinator: Brandon Powell

 

They are supported by a staff that collaborates with the Mayor and elected officials of Woodbridge Township. The BAC staff oversees gallery operations, event preparation, building maintenance, and publicity and promotion.

Cultural Arts Commission Members

Chairperson: Dr. Dolores Capraro Gioffre

Vice Chairperson: Sonya Zarestky

Secretary: Vacancy 1

Treasurer: Constance A. Elek

​

Carlo Fazio

Carol Rebovich

Antonia Pancel-Cipric

Jeffrey Cohen

Ronald Wyatt

Sonal Gadhavi

Joe Messick

Kristen Petenko

Ray Zirpolo

Vacancy 2

Vacancy 3

Commission Monthly Meeting Schedule

In accordance with the statute requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, C.10:4-8 (d), listed below are the regularly scheduled meetings of the Cultural Arts Commission of the Township of Woodbridge for the year 2025.

 

Meetings will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue until adjournment.  

 

  • January 3rd

  • February 7th

  • March 7th

  • April 11th

  • May 2nd

  • June 6th

  • July 25th

  • August - none

  • September 5th

  • October 3rd

  • November 7th

  • December 5th

bottom of page