The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) and Hudson County Community College (HCCC) announced that developer Paul Silverman will be honored for his significant contributions to the arts and public art at the inaugural New Jersey Creative Communities Conference 2025 (NJCCC 2025). The conference, titled “The Art of Community Well-Being,” will take place Nov. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hudson County Community College Culinary Center in Jersey City.
Produced by the NNJCF and HCCC, the event is designed to bring together a diverse group of leaders, artists, and community members to explore innovative ways that art and creative placemaking can improve communities. Attendees will include municipal, arts and business leaders; artists in all fields; health care and wellness workers; grant makers; students and scholars; and urban planners. The goal is to inspire new projects and foster collaborative partnerships.
Honoring Paul Silverman’s legacy
During the conference luncheon, Silverman, a principal of SILVERMAN and a leading advocate for creative placemaking in real estate development, will be recognized. Along with his brother, Eric, SILVERMAN has spent decades restoring historic landmarks, developing mixed-use buildings, and creating residential, commercial, and office spaces with a focus on integrating art. He has championed the local arts scene by curating rotating exhibitions in the lobbies of his properties and hosting semi-annual art shows to showcase emerging talent. A testament to his commitment, he and his brother also co-founded “elevator,” a dynamic creative space for artists and makers.
Beyond his professional work, Silverman is known as a dedicated volunteer and philanthropist with a strong commitment to community engagement and the arts. His service includes roles as Trustee Emeritus at Muhlenberg College, Chairman of the Youth Foundation of Jersey City, and an active volunteer with City Sail. He also provides support to numerous nonprofits, including New City Kids, Art House Productions, and Team Wilderness.
Plenary session and workshops
The conference will begin with a welcome from Christopher Reber, president of Hudson County Community College. The opening plenary session, “Creative Financing for the Arts in New Jersey,” will feature a panel discussion on strategies to support the arts in communities amidst the uncertainty of federal funding. The panel will be moderated by Leonardo Vazquez, executive director of the NNJCF, and includes distinguished speakers such as Tai Cooper from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Christine Goodman, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs City of Jersey City.
Throughout the day, participants can attend breakout sessions and workshops organized into four key tracks:
- Art and Community Health: Focusing on how art and artful environments can benefit mental and physical health.
- Community Economic Development: Exploring how the arts and placemaking can boost local economies and create jobs.
- Empowering and Supporting Public and Social Practice Artists: Providing resources and training for artists who want to create work that benefits communities.
- Inclusive and Accessible Communities: Highlighting how art can make places more welcoming and comfortable for everyone.
The conference will also feature various workshop sessions and panels on a wide range of topics, including “Creative Placemaking 101,” “Public Art, Process + Hip Hop,” and “The Healing Stage: Examining the Therapeutic Impact of Dance and Art.” An art therapy activity, “Express Yourself,” will be available to all attendees during lunch and breaks, facilitated by Zulisha Morales.
To register for the NJCCC 2025 please click here.
