History + Mission

HISTORY


Christine Goodman outside of Art House Productions in Journal SquareArt House Productions was founded in late September 2001 by Christine Goodman, a community leader and professional performing artist. Art House's inaugural event, held shortly after September 11th, sprung from the desire to connect a devastated community through art and dialogue. Since then, Art House has established itself as a pioneer of artistic and cultural programming in Jersey City producing new theatrical work, dance, comedy, and visual arts programming that is innovative, fresh, and multi-disciplinary. Art House Productions has established itself as a cultural landmark in Jersey City, attaining non-for-profit status in 2007 and presenting work at a professional level—but the spirit of community that led to the organization’s inception still guides its artistic programming.

In 2007, Art House became incorporated and was granted nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. In late 2007, the organization was presented with the Key to the City and an official Proclamation for its outstanding contributions to the City of Jersey City, NJ. In 2017, Meredith Burns was selected to serve as the organization's second Executive Director. 

In 2023, Art House Productions moved into a Performing & Visual Arts Center at The Hendrix  in Jersey City steps from the Grove Street PATH Station. The development comes courtesy of SILVERMAN, The Albanese Group, and Liberty Harbor as part of an important redevelopment plan. The state-of-the-art facility includes a gallery, black box theater with dressing rooms, and administrative offices. 

MISSION

The mission of Art House Productions is to inspire, entertain, and challenge audiences with ambitious performing and visual arts programming; provide arts education to promote lifelong learning to diverse communities; and celebrate the power of the arts to illuminate humanity. AHP provides a home for innovative artists to develop new work, presents emerging and under-recognized artists who are making significant contributions to their respective fields, and serves as a safe space for established artists to take creative risks.

VALUES

We believe...

  • artists are vital to a healthy and vibrant city
  • in making art accessible to all
  • art has the power to transform communities
  • we have a responsibility to encourage and promote the culture and art of all people in our region
  • the arts help young people dream for a better future

AWARDS

  • Meredith Burns, Jersey City Youth Foundation Arts Award, 2025
  • Meredith Burns, Women of Action Award, Jersey City Council, 2023
  • Leadership Award, Cultural Access Network, 2021
  • Leadership Award, Jersey City Arts Awards, 2020
  • Meredith Burns, Executive Director, NJCU Leadership Award, 2019
  • Jete Award, Dance New Jersey, Your Move: New Jersey's Modern Dance Festival, 2016
  • Key to the City, Jersey City, 2007

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which Art House Productions is located is the territory of the Leni Lenape People, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We thank them for their strength and resilience in protecting this land, and aspire to uphold our responsibilities according to their example.