The Count Basie Center for the Arts announced Friday that it will rename its cinema to Basie Center Cinema House powered by OceanFirst Bank, thanks to a $100,000 sponsorship from the bank that will support the revitalization of the existing movie theater.
The partnership includes a new exterior awning, new branding and upgrades to the restrooms and building which make the venue ADA accessible. The multi-year agreement will help the Basie Center modernize the experience for movie-goers, while preserving the theater’s role as one of Red Bank’s most cherished entertainment spaces.
“The Basie Center Cinema House powered by OceanFirst Bank is an investment in both culture and community,” OceanFirst Bank CEO Chris Maher said. “The cinema has been a special place for the Red Bank community for a long time, and we are proud to be a part of its evolution.”
The Basie Center Cinema House first opened in 1971 and underwent several name changes before the Count Basie Center for the Arts acquired it in 2020. Since then, it has become a home for independent films, festivals, educational programming, and community events. The venue also hosts private rentals, parties and special events, such as live radio plays. The renaming and revitalization come as part of the Basie Center’s yearlong Centennial Celebration, marking the organization’s 100 years in Red Bank.
Basie Center CEO Adam Philipson applauded the announcement.
“OceanFirst Bank shares our belief that an independent movie theater is an important part of Red Bank’s charm and sense of community,” he said. “This partnership reflects the commitment of our board, our supporters, and OceanFirst Bank to not only preserve the cinema, but to make it accessible to everyone.
“The rebranding will help up reimagine the Cinema House as an even more welcoming space, where we can present festivals, new releases, retro programs, educational offerings and more. We are grateful for OceanFirst Bank’s support and for the thousands of patrons who come through our doors each year and make this space come alive as a true art house.”
Basie Theatre Chair Jeremy Grunin agreed.
“Partnerships like these are essential to our work as a nonprofit organization,” he said. “The upgrades to the Basie Center Cinema House and the investment in our workforce development program demonstrate what is possible when mission-driven organizations and community-minded partners come together.”
