WINDOWS
OF
UNDERSTANDING
WE SEE THROUGH HATE
Windows of Understanding was founded in 2017 with the vision to transform our “main street” spaces into literal windows of understanding; spaces in which the community can learn about positive strides being made by local organizations around a wide array of social justice issues through art. The project is a creative, community-building response to the negativity and hate perpetuated in our media landscape. Select non-profit organizations are paired with artists and local youth to create site specific art and installations addressing critical issues impacting their daily lives. Our belief is that through visual language, artists can communicate methods of empathetic, solutions-driven storytelling and events in powerful ways that cut across cultural boundaries and invite participation.
"MOBILIZING CHANGE"
This season will focus on initiatives mobilizing both literally and figuratively to provide urgent resources to local communities ranging from food to transportation, hygiene products, healthcare and immigration advocacy. Featured art works will be on display at venues throughout New Brunswick, Highland Park, Perth Amboy, Rahway, and South Plainfield NJ from January 19- March 31, 2026.
Programming such as "Tables of Understanding", hands-on workshops, community conversations, and wellness sessions will complement the visual displays throughout the run.
PRESENTED BY
New Brunswick Community Arts Council
Comprised of leaders from across the Arts sector appointed by the Mayor to serve three year terms, the New Brunswick Community Arts Council exists to promote a diverse range of Art and Culture throughout the city. “Windows of Understanding” is a pilot project that complements the council’s existing programs such as “Paint the Town” and the annual New Brunswick Holiday Market.
Mason Gross School of the Arts at
Rutgers University
Mason Gross School of the Arts is a vibrant community of artists and scholars committed to pursuing excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Its mission is to create socially relevant art, foster diverse programming and curricula, cultivate community partnerships, and advance the arts through teaching, creative activity, advocacy, and research that contributes to the public good. Comprising 1,046 undergraduate and graduate students across programs in music, theater, dance, filmmaking, and art & design, Mason Gross is housed within Rutgers–New Brunswick, a premier Big Ten research university that serves some 50,000 students and is the flagship campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
The Highland Park Arts Commission
The purpose of the Arts Commission is to support and facilitate cultural programs in Highland Park for the benefit of its residents. Such programs may include, but are not limited to, dance, theatre, music, visual arts, poetry, spoken word, culinary arts, fashion design, paper arts, woodworking and interdisciplinary art forms. Of particular interest to the Arts Commission is both the inclusion of diverse cultural programming and the training of students (of any age) in these art forms.
ASquared
ASquared is a dynamic collaboration between Ann Marie Williams and Amy Garcia Phillips, harnessing the power of the arts to drive community and economic development. By connecting people, fostering creativity, and cultivating new opportunities, ASquared acts as a catalyst for positive change. Their combined energy is exponential, amplifying their impact and sparking transformation in the communities they serve.